Update on State Funded Distance Learning:

More State Funding Allocated to Distance Learning

Patrick Sutton

February 27, 2007

In another recent development that shows how fast distance learning initiatives are growing, the New Mexico Senate voted to create a statewide cyber academy.

More State Colleges and Universities
Use Distance Learning to Reach Students

Patrick Sutton
February 26, 2007

Recently, we’ve seen many news headlines that show how distance learning initiatives are beginning to form a bridge between high school and college.

This week, in Alabama, Dr. Anne Davidson, coordinator of the training site in Madison for Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators & Students Statewide (ACCESS) announced that the distance learning program initiated by the state of Alabama has provided 544 students with the opportunity to attend college-level classes, this semester alone.

Boosts in State-Funded Distance Learning Initiatives
Bring Increased Opportunities to
K-12 and Higher Education

Patrick Sutton

February 23, 2007

In an ambitious push to expand the educational resources of his state, North Carolina’s governor Mike Easley has boosted the education budget by 7.8% to a total allocation of $11.6 billion dollars. Many notable budgetary changes have been made, such as:

• Eliminating the state income tax for almost 600,000 low income individuals
• Provide $150 Million to send more students to college
• 5% pay increase for public school teachers
• Providing pre-k services to 10,000 more students
• Using lottery revenue to fund pre-k education initiatives

In addition, approximately $19 million will be funneled towards the “Learn and Earn”, a distance learning initiative that will allow students from any high school in the state to take college courses over the internet.