Development of an operating plan for implementation and evaluation of an adult education network and electronic journal at Nova Southeastern University

The Programs for Higher Education (PHE) of the Fischler Center for the Advancement of Education at Nova Southeastern University obtained the Adult Education Network (AEDNET) and the New Horizons in Adult Education electronic journal from Syracuse University. PHE administrators wanted to be assured that the network and electronic journal were implemented, expanded, improved, and enhanced to meet the needs of the adult education program. The network and journal also had the support of several other programs and centers at Nova Southeastern University. This was the university's first effort to sponsor a network or refereed electronic journal. Consequently, the problems and issues surrounding the network and the electronic journal deserved serious attention.; This study utilized a development problem-solving methodology. The study also contained elements of descriptive research, evaluation methodologies, and qualitative research.; The following research questions were addressed in this study: (1) What does the literature indicate in regard to electronic networks and journals in adult education? What is an electronic network? What is meant by an electronic journal? What emerging technologies will impact this type of network and electronic journal? What are the current academic networks and journals now in operation? How are they functioning? To what extent are their sponsoring agencies satisfied with their operations? (2) What are the problems and issues surrounding the assumption, implementation, and expansion of an electronic network and a refereed electronic journal? (3) How should the policy-making advisory process be structured in regard to the network and electronic journal within the program and the university? How should the journal editorial review process function? (4) How should the network and the electronic journal be funded? Are there appropriate sources for grants to continue and to expand activities? (5) How should the benefits and value of the network and electronic journal be promoted within the university and within the adult education practitioner and student community? (6) How should faculty and students be trained effectively to function in this network and electronic journal? How should the network and electronic journal be staffed? (7) What information about the network and electronic journal should be disseminated? How should this information be disseminated? (8) How should the network and electronic journal be evaluated formatively?; A report was submitted as an operating plan for the AEDNET and the New Horizons in Adult Education, encompassing what was learned in this study. This plan included recommendations for strategies to be used during the 1994 through 1995 academic year. The plan consisted of the most appropriate evaluation and implementation strategies for the second year of implementation. The areas that were identified through the study results included evaluation, marketing, technology, staff/training/committees, and funding. The outcomes of the study should prove beneficial to the Programs for Higher Education as well as other doctoral programs within Nova Southeastern University. This study provided these programs with processes that are important to the implementation and improvement of electronic networks and journals in institutions of higher education.