Distance Learning - Quotes from those involved

Student: "Pendleton County High School, through its video distance learning classes, has provided me with some amazing opportunities. I have had the chance to take advanced classes and college courses in which I've received one-on-one attention from very competent professors.

"After taking College English and Calculus though distance learning, I now feel capable of competing with students from large schools and just as prepared for college as they are. The distance learning program is definitely a blessing for many students attending PCHS in this rural area."

Professor: Merry Christmas to my favorite class of writers in 15 years of teaching! You are the funniest, most original, spunkiest, kindest, and most authentic writers in our mountains. I hope you all write books, practice law, raise kids, and run the country — and still have time to walk up mountains and along South Forks of Famous Rivers.

Professor: "Eastern really can be proud of these teenage students; their writing quality and funny, creative ideas-still untrammeled and unstifled — made their work more fun to read and more full of life than that of many older students. Also, their Pendleton teachers and home-schooling parents have done a great job teaching them to read and write."

Parent: "I am a parent who has had three children take three different college classes through Eastern's video distance learning program. I have been very pleased that my children have access to college-level instruction while still in high school. The classes have been taught by competent, knowledgeable and interesting instructors. It is a wonderful benefit that the high school provides an opportunity for students to gain college credit early. This allow students to get a head start on college, and possibly graduate earlier and even spend less money on college tuition because they do not need as many classes to graduate from college.

"Another benefit is that I have had many wonderful, memory-building conversations with my children about what they are learning in their classes. They are gaining a broader outlook on life and their world. I believe this expanded world view will ultimately enable them to be better members of the community"

Professor: The opportunity to teach Calculus both by video-conferencing and through the use of an explorations based set of curriculum materials has been challenging but very fulfilling. Many people have the image that video-conferencing is about one person doing all the talking with everyone else listening. That's not been the case for us!. My students and I have been able to use the medium to have shared conversations about the mathematics in this introduction to Calculus. The use of the graphing calculator technology helps them learn not only the mathematics, but also the 21st Century problem solving and technology skills they will need to be successful in college and on into the world of work. On behalf of the staff of the June Harless Center, I'd like to thank Pendleton County for their assistance with this pilot project and especially to thank the students for their participation with me. We look forward to a continued relationship with Pendleton County!

Student: "I feel very fortunate for the availability of the distance learning classes. I understand that the variety of classes, which students of more populated areas have access too, can not be offered to me. However, because of video distance learning, I feel very prepared for college in relationship to the information to be covered and the expectations my professor will have.

"Although distance learning is difficult in regard to turning in assignments, taking tests, etc. ---the teachers have been very nice and understanding. They patiently work with you to overcome the distance barrier."