From a Distance...

 
Online Newsletter for Arkansas Distance Learning

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ODE Increasing Educational Opportunities
by Paula Andrea Rentería

The Office of Distance Education (ODE) at the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts (ASMSA) began in July of 1998. From its simple beginning to today, the goal has always been to increase educational opportunities for students in Arkansas and, more recently, for students around the world.

The first year of operation, ODE provided two courses: calculus and Spanish. ODE employed four instructors and provided synchronous classes through Advanced Audiographics (AG). While limited in resources, this new venture into distance education in Arkansas had impressive results. Within the next few years, the class offerings expanded to include all levels of Spanish and French, art, and many other classes. The number of schools also increased exponentially as did the teaching staff. As the department grew, Compressed Interactive Video (CIV) technology was added as the primary mode of class instruction. The stage was set to move distance education to a higher level.

The Office of Distance Education continues to be a pioneer in distance learning. Having moved entirely to CIV classes, ODE instructors seek to provide the best environment for their students and to shorten the distance between instructors and students around the world. Nearly three thousand students from approximately eighty districts in six states and two countries receive instruction from the different programs offered by ODE. Of particular note, St. George’s Church of England Primary School in Birmingham, England, became a client of ODE in December of 2008.

Courses are now taught from kindergarten through college in virtually all academic disciplines including foreign languages, humanities, arts, mathematics and sciences. Utilizing the expertise of many ODE instructors, advanced placement, concurrent enrollment classes and custom designed classes such as World Energy Policy are offered as well.

A pivotal reason for ODE’s success is the staff’s commitment to excellence in education. ODE currently employs thirty-three highly qualified instructors, many of whom have been recognized for their efforts. In 2008, the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) presented Chris Robbins, Director of Outreach at ASMSA, the award for Outstanding Leadership by an Individual in the Field of Distance Learning while Gabriela Hogue, an ODE Spanish instructor, was honored the Gold award for Best Practices in Distance Learning Teaching. Likewise, in 2007 USDLA conceded Natalie Humphreys, ODE Assistant Department Chair and Spanish instructor, with a Bronze for Best Practices in Distance Learning Teaching award.

Similarly, on February 23, 2009, Dr. Joe Spradlin, a member of the ODE faculty since 2005 who teaches chemistry, physics, and AP environmental science to seven schools in Arkansas and a non-renewable energy class to gifted and talented 8th grade students in Indiana, was recognized by the Instructional Technology Council as a Distinguished eLearning Educator.

ODE instructors are constantly seeking innovative ways and resources to make their classes interesting, creative and unlike any other class in which their students have been enrolled. Frances vandenHeuvel, an ODE French instructor, is currently collaborating with schools districts in Louisiana, Ohio, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania to connect students in Arkansas with fellow students from around the country. All find that excitement in the classroom is heightened when they are allowed to learn from one another, make cultural comparisons, and discover the means to becoming well-rounded individuals.

Built on a strong foundation created during the last eleven years, the Office of Distance Education looks forward to serving its students and continuing its cutting edge work. Providing instruction worldwide and developing collaborations enhance students’ studies, allowing them to learn and participate with fellow students regardless of location.

About the Author

Paula Andrea Rentería is a Spanish teacher with the Office of Distance Education (ODE) at the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts.

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