UA College of Continuing Studies Selected as ACCESS Distance Learning Center

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama College of Continuing Studies has been named one of three ACCESS distance learning support centers by the Alabama Department of Education.

ACCESS, which stands for Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators and Students Statewide, distance learning allows high schools to help other high schools by offering advanced level courses and electives that might not otherwise be available.

“This is a powerful partnership to expand educational opportunities for Alabama students,” said Dr. Carolyn Dahl, dean of the UA College of Continuing Studies.

The College will hire and provide Alabama-certified distance learning teachers for three delivery modes of real-time, interactive videoconferencing (IVC) courses; Web-based, online courses; and a blended approach including both IVC and online components. UA’s center site will ensure that teachers are available for parent-teacher conferences and tutoring, through telephone, video or online chat rooms.

“The College has had tremendous success with the Alabama Online High School,” said Rebecca Pow, associate dean of the College of Continuing Studies. “ACCESS will further expand educational opportunities for high school students, especially those in poorer areas, such as the Black Belt.”

Jennifer Elebash, a Spanish teacher at Tuscaloosa Central High School, has taught with the Alabama Online High School (AOHS) since 2001 and anticipates becoming an ACCESS teacher. “I’ve been able to help students throughout Alabama through distance learning,” Elebash said. “I’m looking forward to continuing that and reaching even more students through ACCESS.”

Troy University and Madison City Schools also will serve as support centers. The centers will hire and train e-teachers, maintain a help desk for technical issues and logistics and provide general support.

UA’s College of Continuing Studies delivers educational opportunities to non-traditional students through workshops, seminars, conferences, institutes, certification training and other professional development programs. The College provides degree opportunities through off-campus programs and also weekend, evening and distance education programs.