Alabama is making great strides in education! Through the Alabama ACCESS Distance Learning Initiative, all high schoolers are able to access courses via video conferencing that were once not available.  In the recent press release, Mr. Reggie Smith III, President, USDLA Board of Directors and chair of the awards committee, noted that, "The work of Governor Bob Riley and his Alabama ACCESS Distance Learning Initiative team demonstrates and confirms the transformative power of distance learning"."  In addition to accolades Governor Riley was honored with the nation’s highest distance learning award for 2010, by the United States Distance Learning Association.  Governor Riley is expected to be recognized with his award at the upcoming USDLA 2010 National Conference in St. Louis, Missouri on May 4, 2010.  He commented "I'm truly honored to receive this award.  In my state, every high school now offers distance learning classes.  That has leveled the playing field for our students in a way no other education program ever has before.  Now, no matter if they live in an urban, suburban or rural community, our students have access to classes they otherwise would not.  It's broadened their horizons and opened up a whole new world of learning opportunity for our students in Alabama".  That's what distance learning is all about - availability and accessibility.  What an outstanding example!  
 

Alabama Leads in Distance Education

Professors' Guide LLC, compiled a list of the 14 habits of top college students.  Read the full article here.

1. Have a scheduled.
2. Divide up the tasks.
3. Are organized.
4. Hang out with smart friends.
5. Don't kid themselves.
6. Manage their feelings.
7. Challenge themselves.
8. Are consistent-and persistent.
9. Are open to feedback.
10. Ask when they don't understand.
11. Aren't too shy.
12. Look out for number one.
13. Keep themselves in tip-top shape.
14. Have a goal-and a plan.

14 Habits of Top College Students

In Stephen R. Covey's book, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, he highlights the first step as being proactive, with a close second and third to begin with the end in mind, and to put first things first. Being proactive is a principal that applies to every personal walk in life as well as a variety of businesses.  Sitting around waiting for something to happen and reacting accordingly makes for at the very least poorly planned existence and at worst a failing business model that quickly falls into bankruptcy. 

What if you knew that doing the bare minimum would sustain you?  You would live a satisfactory life and everything around you would be mediocre.  Would that be enough?  Would you want to work for a company that held this mission statement..."doing what we have to do to get through the day"?  In Jim Collins book Good to Great, his research team starts with 1,435 good companies and examine their performance for over 40 years.  Eleven companies are found to have reached greatness and he highlights lessons learned about eggs, flywheels, hedgehogs, buses, and other essentials of business that can transform a company.

Reading these books are two examples of ways to improve your business practices and life.  The authors both agree that doing nothing is not included in the recipe for success.  Covey discusses the importance of being "that person".  The one who makes a decision, puts forth the effort, and enjoys the fruit of his labor.  Collins says the number one rule to going from good to great is having the right people on your team.  He says regardless of what positive direction a company is going, without the right people, your plan is doomed.  Covey says to begin with the end in mind.  What a team Collins and Covey would make! 

Choose today to be the right person.  Be proactive, don't settle for mediocrity, and always keep your eye on the prize!

Be the Right Person

Recently at the TxDLA conference, we had the pleasure of presenting with Dr. Jeff Getchell from Del Mar College.  He highlighted how his school has used SmarterMeasure (formerly known as READI) and the results of a case study about their plan.  To watch the presentation click on the link below.

http://salesdemo.mediasite.com/mediasite/SilverlightPlayer/Default.aspx?peid=a287790da9b14a429492f719d1e39cd6

Using Online Learner Readiness to Improve Retention

Amber Icke and Yolanda Columbus from Texas A & M University recently did a presentation at the TxDLA conference about lessons they had learned while implementing the open source learning management system Moodle.  Below they each say a few words about online learners and the most important elements in an end of course evaluation system.

Insiders' Thoughts