The Higher Education Technology Infrastructure Fund established in 1997 allowed New Jersey's public and independent colleges and universities to accelerate their long-range technology plans and increase their capacity to make higher education more accessible and convenient through distance learning. In the summer of 1998, Governor Christine Whitman called for the creation of a New Jersey Virtual University that builds on this increased capacity.

The wide range of distance learning opportunities, including both online and other technology-mediated courses and programs, provides flexibility and increased opportunity to meet individual and workforce needs. The courses and programs offered by New Jersey higher education institutions respond to the needs of a diverse population of learners requiring flexible timeframes and convenient ways to access education.

The online Faculty Center serves as a clearinghouse for materials promoting teaching and learning using instructional technology. The new NJVU web-site also includes general information about quality in distance learning and information about different types of distance education to help users determine what delivery methods might best meet their educational needs. It includes an interactive questionnaire to help potential students assess whether online courses are right for them.

As an outgrowth of NJVU, the community colleges have joined together to form the New Jersey Virtual Community College Consortium (NJVCCC). Students at any participating community college can register for the shared online courses offered through the consortium.

The New Jersey Virtual University demonstrates how the state's colleges and universities are fully integrating technology to meet workforce training and education needs, as well as the needs of a steadily growing number of high school graduates and adults seeking lifelong learning opportunities. The institutions are building on the state's wealth of academic and high-tech corporate resources to move New Jersey to the forefront of technology-mediated education.

New Jersey Virtual University

New Jersey Virtual Community College Consortium

njedge@njedge.net (973) 596-5490