Distance Learning

The area of Teaching and Learning of the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology equalizes education in ways such as distance learning to provide access to classes for students in which there is not a teacher available or funding for an entire class. Educational technology creates opportunities for students to be active in their learning. The benefits reach the diverse population of the state and better prepare students for the skills needed in the 21st century workplace. This area of the state plan is based upon standards and plans for development and implementation of technology use of the NCLB legislation.

One trend the district is implementing is more distance learning opportunities for the secondary students. One of the obstacles in this is the lack of equipment and support for the programs. The district has implemented some AP course work as others at the national level are doing. The issues to resolve remain to be having supervisory teachers understand their role and provide support for the students in addition to their standard class loads.

This is allowing more students access to a wider variety of courses and schedules. The district has not experienced significant success in this are in comparison to the student achievement scores on the AP exams with a traditional teacher taught class. I believe the program needs more structure and communication between the supervising teachers, program coordinators, and students participating in the courses. The potential for the application of this program is great, but the implementation is still in the formation period.