Upton visits Glen Oaks, announces grant for distance learning enhancement
U.S. Rep. Fred Upton visited Glen Oaks Community College on Tuesday, and announced a $900,000 congressional grant for distance learning enhancements there.
In a welcome address, GOCC president David Devier described the enhancements as the next phase of dual enrollment at the college “on steroids.” The project features the installation of videoconferencing technology to allow instructors to broadcast synchronous live instruction from their classrooms. Dual-enrolled students may remain at their districts and the local districts will be provided with video conferencing capability.
Rob Kuhlman, director of institutional innovation at GOCC, talked about the goals and impact of the grant. He said the primary goal of the grant is to expand distance learning options for all students, particularly those dual enrolled students in high school. Aging technology infrastructure will be upgraded, he said.
Kuhlman said recording capabilities are a part of the plan and with the equipment, instruction will be able to continue to be provided in the event of a long campus closure like the one in 2020. Uninterrupted power supply units also will supply a power source to operate the system in the event of an interruption of power.
The impact on local school districts includes expansion of course opportunities for all students, Kuhlman said. Involved in the project are 11 local school districts including all in St. Joseph County, plus Bronson and Union City in Branch County.
Fiber internet among Glen Oaks, St. Joseph County Intermediate School District and local school districts will be activated. Professional development also is a part of the plan and will focus on technical aspects of the new equipment and strategies to effectively engage students in virtual learning.
Kuhlman thanked those involved in the grant process, including grant consultant James Hissong, ISD director of technology Ben Daugherty and Glen Oaks director of technology Evan Dembskey.
During his remarks, Upton said that during his 36 years of service to the area, he’s seen the impact Glen Oaks has on those wishing to continue their education.
“In this county, literally two-thirds or better of the high school student graduates who go on to higher education, they come here first,” he said. “This is where they come.”
Upton said the pandemic was a terrible time for the world, the nation and, particularly, for rural areas that don't have the technology to be able to function like connected areas.
“Facilities like this were shut down,” he said. “Kids lost their opportunity. They might have found something else, but their lives changed. Their lives literally changed.”
Whether it was tele-health or tele-learning or otherwise, those connections really mattered, Upton said.
“This is one of the reasons why I really partnered with Midwest Energy years ago to try to expand that reach so that everyone could be connected and literally not be left behind,” he said.
Upton focused on health, education and infrastructure and petitioned his district to come up with ideas. The Glen Oaks project was one of those at the very top of the list, he said.
The project has since been signed into law.
“This is really good news for the families, not just the college,” Upton said. “Let’s face it, the impact that this is going to have on kids throughout the county, the two-thirds of those that graduate from high school and somehow pass through here. This is going to impact thousands of kids literally every single year. Congratulations!”
This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Congressman Fred Upton-grant-distance learning enhancements
