From a Distance...

 
Online Newsletter for Arkansas Distance Learning

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Member Profile: Kristy Carter
by Karen Liebhaber

Kristy Carter is the Marketing Coordinator for the Division of Academic Outreach at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway.  Academic Outreach is the outreach arm of the University. Its mission is to provide quality lifelong learning and enrichment opportunities through credit courses, non-credit programs, and customized services that address the needs of UCA and surrounding communities.  Kristy is the key resource to the division in planning and implementing effective marketing and communication programs that garner awareness of Academic Outreach initiatives. 

Kristy grew up in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and graduated from Hot Springs High School.  She received a certificate in Business Office Technology from Quapaw Technical Institute, an Associate of Arts degree from Garland County Community College (now National Park Community College), a BSE in Education from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, and an MA in College Student Affairs from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.  She am currently pursuing an MBA at the University of Central Arkansas. 

Kristy became a member of ARDLA while teaching for the ADE Distance Learning Center (DLC) in Maumelle.  Her capacity in ARDLA expanded when she became a member of the ARDLA Professional Development Committee.  She is now the chair of the committee.  She believes the annual ARDLA conference has always been a “great way for providers, facilitators and teachers to receive updates on current technologies and best practices in distance education.  I also believe ARDLA’s potential to outreach to the state of Arkansas is tremendous!”  She also believes that, with the current slate of officers and members, ARDLA is well on its way to becoming the premier association in all things related to distance learning and technology in the state.

Kristy’s first teaching job was at DLC:  “Teaching students via compressed interactive video and other asynchronous technologies was something that college never prepared me for, but I met the challenge head on and it was, by far, the most rewarding learning experience I’ve had to date. Working at the DLC with the wonderful staff, students, and facilitators was a great adventure.  I miss teaching a lot!”

Kristy believes that providers of distance education should continue to explore and cultivate best practices in distance education and support the professional development of its teachers.  She strongly believes that “an investment in your human resources will pay off in the future and is critical to the overall success and growth of your program.”  She offers this advice to providers of distance education:  “Work hard to forge new prosperous relationships with your partner schools and make an effort to understand the challenges and successes they are experiencing in their district.  Partner with associations like ARDLA and offer your expertise where you can.  Make sure to send your teachers to the annual ARDLA conference in September!” 

Kristy feels it is important that instructors not be afraid to think outside the box.  Students appreciate new ideas in lesson plans and classroom activities.  Kristy also “encourages teachers to experiment with new ways to convert unconventional courses or subject areas to ‘distance learning-friendly’ courses.  If you have a good idea, write it down and then try it!  Also, never stop learning, and try to find new ways to connect with your parents and students.  Develop a strong working relationship with your facilitators; learn all about them and take time to teach them as much as you can.” 

Finally, Kristy offers this advice to the distance education student:  “Embrace the distance learning environment and do not take for granted that your teacher is not physically present in the classroom with you.  When you learn something new, share it with your teachers, parents and classmates. You are very privileged to learn in a distance education classroom.  Most of all enjoy learning!”

Kristy is married to Therman Carter.  They have one daughter, Armani.  The newest addition to the family is Tika, a one-year-old Chihuahua.  “If work could be considered a hobby,” Kristy says, “I would say that it is my main one.”  She is also involved in several civic organizations and actively involved with her church in Conway.

About the Author

Karen Powers Liebhaber is the Distance Education Coordinator, Blackboard and Moodle System Administrator, and an instructor of English and literature at Black River Technical College.  She earned a Master of Arts in English from Arkansas State University.  She lives in Pocahontas with her husband and two children.

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