Literature Review by Cynthia Joffrion

Benefits Offered by Using Distance Education: Literature Review by Cynthia Joffrion
Background It is important to review research and literature on exploring the potential benefits offered by using Distance Education.

Jan 12, 2010 - Increasing Student EnrollmentIn the state of Texas K-12 public and private schools have experienced a steady growth in student enrollment for the past several years. The United States Department of Education's, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) has complied data that indicates that the stream of continued growth is predicted to increase nationally over the next ten years. Specifically, NCES statistics projected enrollment in K-12 schools nationally to increase 4 percent between 2004 and an 11% increase in student enrollment by 2010. The continued growth in enrollment will increase the need for additional classroom space construction, textbooks, instructional materials, classroom computers, and qualified teachers. Distance learning course offers a viable solution to this problem.The growth in distance learning and Internet based education is changing the face of traditional education (Jones, 2002. Nationally, traditional instructional delivery is changing from being teacher centered to student centered. The student-centered instructional approach provides an environment that is conducive to Distance Education. Instructional approaches are becoming more learner-centered: "recursive and non-linear, engaging, self-directed, and meaningful from the learner's perspective" (McCombs, 2000. One of the principles of student-centered instruction is to provide learning opportunities on demand, which are meaningful to the students (Yelon, 1996). Distance Education provides on-demand instruction. Research studies have been quite consistent finding that distance learning classrooms report similar effectiveness results as reported under traditional instruction methods. In addition, research studies often point out that student attitudes about distance learning are generally positive (USDLA, 2004).To meet the needs of America's growing student population, we need to build new schools and modernize existing one (Clinton, 2000). As student enrollment increases and class sizes grow it becomes increasingly difficult for teachers to engage in student centered teaching. Traditional local classroom instruction provides customized, flexible content to a relatively low number of students. Distance learning courses can reach a very large audience while offering students a flexible schedule (Jones, 1999). Over the last 10 years, our public schools have grown by 6.6 million students, resulting in overcrowded classrooms and strained school facilities. Multiple modes of enabling interaction among students and teachers will be critical to the success of schools (Hanna, 2003).The demand for teachers has indeed grown. Since 1984, both student enrollments and teacher retirements have increased (Snyder, Hoffman, & Geddes, 1997). Substantial numbers of schools with teaching openings have experienced difficulties finding qualified candidates to fill their positions (Ingersoll, 1999). While teacher shortages are easing in some areas, they remain a problem elsewhere, especially in the Sun Belt. Texas, for instance, needs 45,000 new teachers annually, more than double the 20,000 new certifications it issued last year, according to the State Board of Educator Certification (Axtman, 2004. The Vocational Education Journal cites increased student enrollment as a factor in lack of qualified educators.(1999) Now, in the wake of such reports as America's Choice: High Skills or Low Wages and The Forgotten Half, public school educators face the Herculean task of improving instruction for all students and helping to prepare a world-class workforce while their state and local education funding decreases (USDOE, 2004. Distance Education allow certified teacher to transmit classes to many places reaching many students at one time.An analysis of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) budget over the past 3 years shows no significant increase in the amount of funds available to states and Local Education Agencies (LEA). The small increase that was scene was utilized by the DOE in developing and monitoring the No Child Left Behind Act. In 1995 the DOE budget was 71 billion in comparison the 2003 budget was 85 billion (USDOE, 2004). Currently, many states and LEA's rely heavily on grant funds to implement and sustain targeted instruction and special programs. Stakeholders are relying heavily on these innovative programs to narrow the achievement gap. However, further analysis of the budget shows that in 2003 the LEA's formula grants budget was approximately 71 billion. In 2004 and 2005 the budgeted amount is 70 billion. A decrease of 1 billion is present for each year after 2003. A vivid example of how constricting state budgets have come to bear on major reorganization is when the Texas Education Agency (TEA), long considered a national leader for school technology planning and programs, announced in September 2003 the elimination of at least 200 jobs and the liquidation of its educational technology division. State and Federal grant programs have been cut. It is evident by the decrease that innovate systemic initiatives have a difficult time receiving grants. Some areas have been increased such the Reading First Program which saw a 9.9% increase. Still minimal if you compare the number of school districts that the funds are being distributed to. As student enrollment increases the need for increased federal and local funds increase. Therefore, Distance Education courses can be a cost efficient means of addressing areas that have minimal funding.Videoconferencing systems revenues in the U.S. reached $359 million in 2003, declining by 7.4% over 2002. The revenue drop-off is attributed to depressed IT spending resulting from a tough economic climate, as well as the continued decline across the board in Average Selling Prices (ASPs). Revenue growth in the U.S. videoconferencing systems market took a harder hit while revenues outside of U.S. showed a lower cumulative decline of 1.9%, with Asia showing a revenue growth of 5.9%. Over the last two years, growth in videoconferencing systems was hampered by reductions in IT budgets, deferred projects, and smaller deployments (Frost & Sullivan, 2004).Callahan noted at a recent UCEA conference that the largest high school class in U.S. history would occur in 2009. (2003) School system must begin strategically planning now to accommodate enrollment increases. Distance Education may provide a solution to the capacity constraints growing enrollments place on school systems. Educators must look for other instructional method that is non-traditional and cost effective. The literature is very clear in insolating the.

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Cynthia Joffrion Inks "Internet Fundraising' Book Deal
The Funding Management Group Announces TCI Publishing Book Deal on Online Fund Raising
Homa, LA (PRWEB) September 21, 2011
Cynthia Joffrion, a veteran of the Funding Raising industry and President of the Funding Management Group, a firm specializing exclusively in non-profit fund raising, has inked a book deal with publisher Thomas Communications, Inc. (TCI) to share her perspectives on the state of internet fundraising.
Tentatively entitled "Internet Fundraising" it will provide an insider account of a non-profits journey to obtaining 11.3 million in funding for educational projects. All proceeds from the book will go to benefit the CAP Animal Shelter.
Commenting on the book deal, Joffrion said, "I am thrilled to be working with TCI in telling the story of how non-profit organizations can use the internet to raise needed funds. Many organizations need help finding funds and they need information on how to get started. It is gratifying to offer solutions that can really help people immediately.
TCI is a pioneer in the self-help field with its roots in the funding raising genera. Cynthia Joffrion founded the Funding Management Group, an award winning non-profit foundation targeting special needs projects.

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Cynthia Joffrion Education

Cynthia Joffrion is the current president of the Funding Management Group, an organization working to raise much needed funding to schools and non-profit organizations. Located in the heart of Houston, Texas, the Funding Management Group is composed of an experienced staff, and has been a leader in the industry for over five years.
Previous to her work with the Funding Management Group, Cynthia Joffrion dedicated much of her life to school system instructional management. For nearly twenty-five years, she has built progressively responsible experience in education. During these years, Joffrion has held positions in teaching and instructional coordination. She has served as school superintendent and state instructional technology director.
Cynthia Joffrion and the Funding Management Group provide affordable grant writing services and maximize the funding potential for non-profit clients. As a consultant, Joffrion has been successful in helping clients acquire well over twenty-six million dollars in funding in only the past three years.
Aside from grant consulting work with the Funding Management Group, Cynthia Joffrion has offered her expertise through lectures at over one hundred different conferences and workshops at the local, state, and national level. Joffrion speaks on issues and topics ranging from instructional technology education issues, grant writing, and grant management techniques. Additionally, Joffrion has penned a number of journal articles on funding acquisition for schools, utilizing distance education instruction, funding school district technology initiatives, and grants for universities.
Joffrion believes her success can be attributed to her passion for to staying well rounded in combining her academic excellence, leadership, talents and experience.


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