U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander was on hand for the presentation.
The grant, which is competitive nationwide, was awarded to only one partnership in Tennessee. Across the United States, 78 grants were given out in 31 states. The grant totaled $496,212, awarding $376,212 to Rhea County, $80,000 to Hancock County and $40,000 to Scott County.
This is the second award for Scott County, which received a $500,000 distance-learning grant in 2005.
The grant, a USDA Rural Development Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant, will provide these counties with resources to improve education. The grant will allow the schools to offer distance-learning courses to other schools and allow local students to sit in on classes that their own school may not offer. The money will be used to purchase video-conferencing equipment for each school and training material. Paul Riggs, technology coordinator for the Rhea County Department of Education, said he hopes the program will be completely up and running by the spring of 2008.
The system will allow for classrooms not just in Tennessee to hook up, but also colleges can hook up as well.
According to Riggs, Vanderbilt University, Roane State Community College, Chattanooga State Technical Community College, Bryan College and Tennessee Technological University are interested in providing distance-learning courses.
The grant will not only allow schools around the world to hook up, including places like Alaska, Iraq and China. In addition, students will be able to go on virtual field trips to museums and art galleries.
“Japan is begging for interactive partners. There are tons of interactive things that are available through distance learning that we hope to take advantage of,” Riggs said.
Mary Ruth Tackett, Tennessee director of the USDA Rural Development group recognized the effort made by state politicians.
“This would not have happened without all the partners who cooperated,” Tackett said.
Though not in attendance, several political figures were influential in Rhea receiving the grant, including Congressman Zach Wamp and Senator Bob Corker.
“Our congressional delegation is one of the best in the country,” Tackett said. “They care so much about Tennessee and bringing these federal dollars…We could not do the things that we do for rural Tennessee without our congressional delegation.”
Alexander was at the presentation to congratulate the counties and speak on the importance of distance learning.
“I would encourage you not to just stop with this grant,” Alexander said.
Alexander encouraged the counties to look at the America Competes law, which provides monies for summer academies for teachers and students and allows for other opportunities.
“I would use this as a stepping stone,” Alexander added.
Alexander said this grant will create numerous opportunities for Rhea County.
“Smaller counties can’t always afford to have the kind of classes and programs that are available through distance learning,” Alexander said. “This means that Rhea County students can learn English or literature or mathematics from teachers at Vanderbilt University’s program or the University of Tennessee’s program.”
Alexander added that the grant can make learning more fun and allow teachers to bring a lot more into the classroom.
“It makes for a much better educational experience,” Alexander said.
Autor(en)/Author(s): Tiffany Soyster
Quelle/Source: Rhea County Online, 16.10.2007
