Public forums are scheduled Aug. 27 and 28 to review a consultant's recommendation to improve online education in Wyoming.
The findings will be presented via video conference from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, hosted by Wyoming Video Conferencing System (WVCS) and Friday, Aug. 28, from 2-4 p.m. hosted by the University of Wyoming Outreach School. For a complete list of statewide meeting locations and information on how to access the WVCS, visit http://outreach.uwyo.edu/taskforce.asp.
Wainhouse Research, a consultant hired to work with a Governor's Task Force to review and develop recommendations for online education, has completed its analysis of distance learning in Wyoming and will present its findings at the forums. All distance-learning constituents and members of the public are encouraged to attend these meetings.
In November 2008, Gov. Dave Freudenthal appointed a task force to examine and make recommendations on online education, videoconferencing, and IP-based communications for Wyoming. To accomplish the governor's goals, the task force prepared two requests for proposals (RFP) to provide a comprehensive review and recommendations for cost-effective statewide solutions.
In March, the task force awarded PlanNet the contract to conduct the review and develop recommendations for video conferencing and IP-based communications, and in April Wainhouse Research was awarded the contract to conduct the review and develop recommendations for distance education. Since then, Wainhouse has conducted more than 50 interviews and focus groups with stakeholders across the state to help determine needs for Wyoming's distance learning. The consultant will present its research and findings from these meetings during the public forums.
For questions or additional information, contact Maggi Murdock, UW Outreach School dean, at Murdock@uwyo.edu or (307) 766-3152.
Posted on Monday, August 17, 2009