Distance Learning Program Background
The NCIH provides data services such as access to the Internet and to state computer systems and video conferencing for Distance Learning. The following pages contain background information on the distance learning program and a listing of all the courses taught over the NCIH. All of the data provided in this report is from Fiscal Year 2001.
There are 320 regularly scheduled courses taught over the NCIH. This number does not include ad hoc sessions or special conferences that occur often on the network. The NCIH served more than 45,000 people last year at 203 sites. However, since records are not complete on this measure, the total number served is higher than the 45,122 figure provided.
Background Information on NCIH
The NCIH is a statewide network providing data and video services for Distance Learning throughout the state. The NCIH is founded on four key principles:
Universal Service – Network access to all parts of North Carolina.
Equalized Rates – Same usage rates regardless of geographic location.
Shared Resources – Elimination of duplication and assurance of Interoperability
utilizing accepted standards.
Public/Private Partnership – Capital outlay is made by the private sector and the usage base is provided by the state.
The North Carolina Information Highway began with the emphasis on distance learning applications via video conferencing. Data applications required a much smaller proportion of network resources. Today, data applications have become the dominant user of backbone facilities on the NCIH network. The definition of an NCIH site is a location which utilizes the video applications and, in most cases, actually has data services made available through the same transmission facility to that site. Currently, NCIH sites support at least one classroom (some sites have two or more classrooms) equipped for video services to support distance learning and video conferencing.
The video sites are fully interactive, with participants able to see and hear each other as though everyone was within the same room. For example, universities, colleges, high schools and other sites are actively exchanging courses across all levels of the educational system. We are improving the education of students and staff across the state of North Carolina, building toward the goal of First in Education in 2010.
Strategies
We have attempted to align our strategies for the Distance Learning Program with the major partners of the education communities and their goals and objectives.
K-12 Education:
The State Plan for Education has identified three major goals; The NCIH can assist in all areas, but specifically supports Goal 2.
Goal 2: Providing the Tools and time to Achieve High Standards
To provide teachers and schools with the time, training, research, resources and technology it will take to reach the rigorous standards needed to bring our schools to world-class status.
Today there are 85 high schools utilizing the NCIH distance learning facilities. A major portion of these sites are in rural areas of the state. The North Carolina School of Science and Math (NCSSM) is teaching into these rural areas through their Education Future Center Program. They are not only teaching the students the contents of the subject matter, but also training existing staff and teachers (645 in 2001) at these locations and from the surrounding communities.
E-Rate is providing some funding for these public schools for the use of distance learning networks.
Opportunities
There are numerous grant applications (federal and private) in process to establish additional distance learning sites. The NCSSM is also working to expand their programs into additional rural areas within the state through grant requests.
Through enhancements in our video technologies, the state is now able to integrate programs and content from the universities and other educational resources throughout the United States. We will work with these institutions to expand their programming capabilities.
We are working to expand our video services to include H.323 compliant conferencing, web-based video streaming and store-and-forward video applications. This should further enhance the capabilities of the education communities.
Strategies
Community Colleges:
According to the North Carolina Community College System’s (NCCCS) 1999-2001 Strategic Plan, "The increasing demand for connectivity between community colleges, homes, public schools, businesses, and external resources requires NCCCS to develop the communication infrastructure to support distance learning and remote access to resources".
Opportunities
The General Assembly mandated two-plus-two programs (two years of community college and two years at a final university). The community colleges are utilizing the NCIH video and data resources to support these programs. All Community Colleges should be able to participate in these mandated programs.
Community Colleges are supporting the training of the N. C. National Guard personnel utilizing their video classrooms. The Federal National Guard has selected additional Community Colleges in North Carolina to expand this program. The National Guard purchases certain equipment for these Community Colleges to support National Guard training on the weekends. The equipment is thus available to students during the week.
Community Colleges are also in position to provide their resources to other state agencies for videoconferences and State Employee training. This cost-effective use of resources needs to be expanded.
Strategies
Public Health Training:
The Public Health Training and Information Network (PHTIN) is a distance learning system that takes training to the learner. PHTIN uses a variety of instructional media ranging from print-based to videotape and multimedia to meet the training needs of the public health workforce nationwide. Since 1993, PHTIN has delivered nearly 1,000,000 training opportunities to professionals in public health settings and, increasingly, in healthcare and related settings. Evaluation studies demonstrate that PHTIN programs, and distance learning as a medium, are effective ways to update and enhance professional competencies.
The PHTIN has been utilizing the NCIH to accomplish its goals. Training content providers including health professionals within the state, contract professionals, lawyers, and the CDC in Atlanta.
Opportunities
The web-based video streaming and store-and-forward services will also benefit the PHTIN by making video training materials available for use at anytime.
Strategies
Other Participants
:The N.C. Division of Emergency Management utilizes the NCIH for natural disaster and emergency relief planning and execution. During the recent hurricanes the division used NCIH for communications with FEMA for disaster planning and relief.
The N.C. State Highway Patrol Training Center is providing statewide training for every active trooper in North Carolina. State Highway Patrol has established a distance learning site at their training center and uses community colleges and high schools to act as receive sites for mandatory training and continuing education programs.
There are numerous state agencies and local governments which utilize the video conferencing facilities for various activities such as management meetings, training activities, public hearings, etc. During the recent budget restraints on travel many state agencies have opted to utilize the teleconferencing facilities to continue their business activities.
Opportunities
Through the use of video facilities owned by other agencies many of the state agencies are considering the installation of a video site within their organizations. We are working with them to help justify their sites and to expand their applications and use.