New Mexico Summit to Focus on Distance Learning

The New Mexico Learning Network Planning Summit, a chance for New Mexico leaders in higher and public education, government and economic development to come together to plan a new direction for distance learning in the state, takes place Thursday and Friday, Aug. 3 and 4, at the New Mexico State University Albuquerque Center, located at 2444 Louisiana Blvd. NE.

New Mexico leaders in eLearning will help determine how the New Mexico Learning Network can best increase the availability and quality of distance learning options to state residents.

“An eLearning model can meet immediate student needs in rural areas, but can also better prepare all students to work effectively in a digital world,” said Jerónimo Domínguez, UNM vice provost for Extended University. Domínguez and Debby Knotts, manager of UNM New Media and Extended Learning, will be among the participants.

Some states have implemented requirements for students to take an eLearning course prior to high school graduation to prepare them for success in the digital realm, said Brian Ormand, NMLN project director.

Ormand said that working groups will be formed from summit participants and that a report of their findings will be released.