07-R156
2007 -- H 6239
Enacted 04/03/07
H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
RESPECTFULLY
REQUESTING THE RHODE ISLAND BOARD OF GOVERNORS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY ON THE FEASIBILITY
OF ESTABLISHING AN ACCREDITED DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM
Introduced By: Representatives
Costantino, Crowley, Lewiss, Naughton, and Mumford
Date Introduced: April 03,
2007
WHEREAS,
Providing a higher education experience for people who have to work full-
time
or lack the resources to attend a traditional university setting may prove to
be an essential
key
not only to opening doors in their lives, but also to improving the quality,
knowledge and
abilities
of the state’s workforce; and
WHEREAS,
An alternative academic model designed specifically to facilitate adult
learning
would advance the ability of Rhode Islanders to attain higher education; one
such model
is
distance learning; and
WHEREAS,
Distance learning is defined as any educational situation in which teacher
and
student are not engaged face-to-face; and
WHEREAS,
With advances in computer technology and increased access to the Internet,
learning
no longer needs to be confined to traditional places such as classrooms, nor to
the typical
delivery
models such as face-to-face instruction; and
WHEREAS,
Distance learning can make it possible for adults to reach their educational
goals
while still fulfilling other responsibilities; and
WHEREAS,
Distance learning can transcend the constraints of time and space, and allow
the
adult student to decide when, where and how to learn; and
WHEREAS,
A comprehensive study on the merits and feasibility of establishing distance
learning
programs in conjunction with our state colleges and universities will provide
the data and
analysis
necessary to enable more Rhode Islanders to attain formal higher education;
now,
therefore
be it
RESOLVED,
That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and
Providence
Plantations hereby requests the Rhode Island Board of Governors to conduct a
study
to
determine the feasibility of establishing an accredited distance learning
program. The study
shall
include, but not be limited to, analysis and recommendations on costs, program
design,
curricular,
school affiliations, teaching/learning methods, and availability; and be it
further
RESOLVED,
That the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education shall
report
back its findings to the Chairman of the House Finance Committee on or before
January 1,
2008;
and be it further
RESOLVED,
That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to
transmit
a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Chairman of the Rhode Island
Board of
Governors
for Higher Education.
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LC02765
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