Published 25 September 2006

Making Distance Learning and Online Education Happen:

An Interview with Gloria Pickar of Compass Knowledge Group

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Why do some distance learning programs succeed while others fail? What factors increase the chances for a successful online experience? And what trends are emerging for distance learning in the near future?

IMS recently talked with Dr. Gloria Pickar, president and chief academic officer of the Compass Knowledge Group. Pickar is no stranger to higher education. With over 25 years of faculty and leadership experience, she also has authored two popular nursing textbooks. She has served on the faculties of both community colleges and universities in Florida with 11 years spent as an academic dean. In 1999, Pickar took the leadership role with Compass Knowledge Group, a company that was formed to help satisfy the growing demand for distance learning programs. During the past 13 years, Compass has successfully helped non-profit colleges and universities, both large and small, successfully implement distance learning programs with over a 90 percent retention rate. Read on and learn the secrets to their success.