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Laura Howard
OMDE 610 9040
Journal Entry 15 (Module 5)
4/17/16

Reviewing the objectives of this module as indicated in the course content and syllabus
(University of Maryland University College, 2016):
One of the online education components that should be regarded in providing support and
services is an online portal, as discussed by Otte and Benke (2006) and Moisey and Hughes
(2008). I think using an online portal is an important part of providing students, teachers and
administration with many of the colleges resources and other information, which are portal
features described in the Moisey and Hughes (2008) writing. The Anne Arundel Community
College (AACC) portal (https://fs.aacc.edu/adfs/ls?wa=wsignin1.0&wtrealm=urn
%3aportal.aacc.edu%3a443&wctx=https%3a%2f%2fportal.aacc.edu%2f_layouts
%2f15%2fAuthenticate.aspx%3fSource%3d%252F&wreply=https%3a%2f
%2fportal.aacc.edu%2f_trust%2fdefault.aspx), where I work, is a main online feature for
students, administration and faculty. The AACC portal (https://fs.aacc.edu/adfs/ls?
wa=wsignin1.0&wtrealm=urn%3aportal.aacc.edu%3a443&wctx=https%3a%2f
%2fportal.aacc.edu%2f_layouts%2f15%2fAuthenticate.aspx%3fSource%3d
%252F&wreply=https%3a%2f%2fportal.aacc.edu%2f_trust%2fdefault.aspx), contains many
resources and capabilities, which are also portal features described by Moisey and Hughes
(2008). I am glad it is a resource available, as an employee, because it gives me the ability to
find the information I am seeking on my own, without having to rely or wait for other people,
which is an advantage that a portal brings, as described by Moisey and Hughes (2008). Using

a portal is an example of a best practice that gives a great impression in showing the potential
of online educational services.

Questions remaining for this module and what would be the resolution(s)? (University of
Maryland University College, 2016):
The Otte and Benke (2006) writing gives some questions towards its conclusion. If I was to

look for ways to analyze the current community college online model where I work, the Otte and
Benke (2006) writing could be a strong reference. I can say, currently, I probably do not know
specific answers to a lot of those questions in analyzing where I work. An example of one of the
Otte and Benke (2006) questions, that I would not know with regards to AACC, would be, how
is innovation in higher education supported at the local level, but then encouraged to spread?
(Otte & Benke, 2006). If I was to accept a higher administrative position for the future, I would
hope that questions, like the ones discussed in the Otte and Benke (2006) writing, will already be
answered/resolved. However, if they are not, I can always research deeper to seek information
from AACC colleagues and administrative resources (if available) to find this answer. The Otte
and Benke (2006) questions are ones that I may need to focus on more intently if I ever place in a
higher administrative position.

References

Moisey, S. D. & Hughes, J. A. (2008). Supporting the online learner. In T. Anderson (Ed.), The
theory and practice of online learning (pp. 419-439). Edmonton, AB T5J 3S8: AU Press.
Retrieved from http://www.aupress.ca/books/120146/ebook/99Z_Anderson_2008Theory_and_Practice_of_Online_Learning.pdf
Otte, G., & Benke, M. (2006). Online learning: New models for leadership and organization in
higher education. Retrieved from https://umuc.equella.ecollege.com/file/572cca6a-81e044c6-a0e3-e847a3b7ced5/1/OMDE610.zip/Module%2005/assets/v10n2_2otte.pdf
University of Maryland University College. (2016a). OMDE 610 9040 Teaching and learning in
online distance education (2162) OMDE-610 [Course syllabus]. OMDE 610-9040,
Spring 2016, [Teaching and learning in online distance education (2162) OMDE-610].
Master of Distance Education and E-learning, University of Maryland University
College, Retrieved from
https://learn.umuc.edu/d2l/le/content/124340/viewContent/5442289/View