[NMLN] Enrollment in Online Courses Exceeds Expectations; New Courses Available via IDEAL-NM

[Ormand, Brian]

Fyi....

From: Mulry, Laura, NMHED
Sent: Friday, January 16, 2009 11:17 AM
To: Mulry, Laura, NMHED
Subject: Enrollment in Online Courses Exceeds Expectations; New Courses Available via IDEAL-NM

Andy Lenderman, Public Education PIO 505-476-0393
Laura Mulry, Higher Education Communications Director 505-476-6542

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: January 15, 2009






Enrollment in Online Courses Exceeds Expectations

New Courses Available via IDEAL-NM


 (Santa Fe, NM) - Enrollment in New Mexico's online learning system, Innovative Digital Education and Learning(IDEAL-NM), has exceeded initial projections and new courses are available, Secretary of Education Dr. Veronica C. García reported today.

In the fall 2008 semester, more than 870 students from 46 school districts, nine charter schools, three private schools and one juvenile justice center signed up for courses through the state's new eLearning program, IDEAL-NM. Program officials initially expected about 400 students to enroll.

"Students all over New Mexico are taking advantage of this incredible learning opportunity," Dr. García said. "Our state-of-the-art online learning system brings new classes and highly qualified teachers to students who otherwise would not have access to them. I encourage students, parents and school leaders to put this powerful tool to work."

A total of 36 courses are available to New Mexico students in grades 9-12. Examples include New Mexico history, chemistry, English, Spanish and financial literacy. Each course is taught by a highly qualified teacher, which means the instructor is properly licensed to teach in that area by the state.

"It is evident that New Mexico high school students welcome the opportunity to expand their learning experience through the state's forward-thinking eLearning program known as IDEAL," said Cabinet Secretary of Higher Education Dr. Reed Dasenbrock. "Because of IDEAL, we are making significant progress in better preparing more students for college and career."

Twenty more courses are in development for next school year, including media literacy, career exploration, geology, pre-calculus, and middle school science and language arts.

Nineteen Advanced Placement courses are also available. Students can also satisfy a new graduation requirement by taking an online course through IDEAL-NM.

Two school districts in particular have used the program to handle unexpected situations.

Mesa Vista High School lost its English teacher mid-semester, and school officials used online English courses to fill the gap for grades 8-12.  A chemistry teacher at Cuba High School was temporarily assigned to overseas duty, so the IDEAL-NM online chemistry course enabled students to stay on track.

New Mexico's online learning polices and practices have been ranked No. 6 in the nation by the Center for Digital Education, in a report issued in the fall of 2008.

Go to www.ideal-nm.org<http://www.ideal-nm.org/> for more information.

# # #


Laura J. Mulry
Director of Communications
New Mexico Higher Education Department
1068 Cerrillos Road
Santa Fe, New Mexico  87505-1650
505-476-6542
cell: 505-490-3259
www.hed.state.nm.us<http://www.hed.state.nm.us/>

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