Journal Article #2

Kingbury, Alex (2004, October 18). Remote access, Rural schools around the nation are expanding students’ options with E-classes. U.S. News & World Report USNews.com. Retrieved October 18, 2004, from

 http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/elearning/articles/04rural.htm

Schools in rural areas are attempting to provide instructional options to their students through E-classes. Students in areas like South Dakota, North Carolina and Minnesota attempting doing just that by providing E-classes to their students. In Emery, a small town in South Dakota has the state-of-the art technology that allows students access to the same educational opportunities as large school districts. This state-of-the-art technology includes laptops, wireless connectivity and cameras, allow online course through the Digital Dakota Network. This type of access is a necessity given the fact the Emery and other small towns have a very difficult time attracted and keeping teachers.

Most people think of E-Learning as simply logging on to your computer, typing in essays and communicating through e-mail. E-Learning today has gone to another level. E-learning now, can include videoconferencing along with computer coursework. Students can actually see their teacher via a projection television screen. Students in Emory are not phased by the cameras. E-Learning teachers personalize instruction for students by providing early morning study groups and phone calls. -Learning is crucial in areas where there is a shortage of qualified teachers to teach subjects such as and advanced AP course or a Foreign Language course.  Some course. are essential for students to meet graduation requirement, qualify for scholarships or admission into colleges and universities.

E-Learning is not only a positive for students, but for teachers as well. No Child Left Behind requires that teachers and paraprofessional be highly qualified. This can be very difficult for teachers, when the nearest college is over an hour away. E-Learning has offered the perfect opportunity for school districts to help their teacher become highly qualified.

In conclusion, I feel, E-learning provides one solution in providing the opportunities for students to receive a quality education. I had never thought of E-learning as supplying schools with qualified teachers. Most think of E-Learning as just another way to deliver the same concepts. It’s has far greater implications for students when they have access to some of the best educators.