ACCESS post

The best way to describe the purpose of the ACCESS program was best stated by the State Superintendent of Education, Joe Morton.  He stated that the ACCESS distance learning will "remove barriers of walls and geography that has limited students' exposure in the past."  Not all schools are created equally.  There are some schools that are not as fortunate as others when it comes to technology, resources, or classes that are offered.  ACCESS addresses each one of these issues and offers a "cutting edge of instructive technology" states Fox News correspondent, Shepard Smith.  Thanks to the support of the Governor, Alabama legislature, ARC, Bellsouth Foundation, and The State Board of Education many schools in the state that can not afford certain classes or lack the resources to offer remediation are able to enhance the educational experience for these students.  Advanced diploma, advanced placement classes, dual enrollment, remediation classes, distance learning, and a teacher's ability to enhance instruction by using multimedia and technology tools are many of the ways ACCESS will enhance and equalize Alabama education.

The methods in which ACCESS is available to many schools are these: Web-based, Videoconferencing, and blended (both web-based and videoconferencing).  The web-based method would offer the courses needed to complete the requirements of an advanced diploma remediation, advanced placement, and dual enrollment.   Videoconferencing  or IVC labs will help the school districts connect with each other and interact with other teachers and students. A blended method would incorporate the web-based method and Videoconferencing.  In order for ACCESS to work effectively for the students and teachers of Alabama there is a support center that monitors E-teachers, offers help desk to teachers and students, and offers professional development to the teachers.  The schools that are part of the support center are Troy University, University of Alabama, and Madison City Schools.