Community and Technical Colleges

Community Colleges Following Amazon.com Model

According to John P. Morgridge, chairman of Cisco Systems, "(many) people are no longer looking for a diploma, they're looking for learning that is directly applicable to the things they're directly involved with." Mr. Morgridge spoke at the annual technology conference of the League for Innovation in the Community College. He went on to say that community colleges may become the amazon.coms of education, using technology to offer instruction in a fast, convenient way. "You're in the retail business," he added.

Examples of the use of technology by community colleges include: 92% use the Web to recruit students 78% allow students to register for classes by telephone 46% allow students access to their records via kiosks or the Internet 33% allow students to register for classes by the Internet At the same conference, Bill Gates of Microsoft spoke by satellite hook-up. He said that, "It's really the community colleges that can help fill the gap between the strong demand for technology employees and the limited supply."

Washington residents interested in taking the General Education Development (GED) test can now gain access to information online. The GED test allows individuals without a high school diploma to be tested and if passed, receive certification of an education level meeting general education requirements for a high school diploma. The GED is considered the equivalent of a high school diploma by many employers and government agencies. Using the Web address: http://www.sbctc.ctc.edu/Board/Educ/ged/ged.htm, visitors can review test preparation, content and other important details. A list of the 60 test locations in Washington is provided. A link to the national GED testing service is also provided.

For online information on GED testing programs in Idaho, visit: http://www.sde.state.id.us/Dept. For information on Oregon GED testing programs, visit: http://www.state.or.us/education.htm.