Friday, May 02, 2003
EDPros, especially in rural areas, should become familiar with the opportunities distance education. Some innovative states are investing in this distance learning infrastructure in order to upgrade their schools. Through distance education, for example, rural high schools can offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses that they otherwise could not afford.
Michigan has launched a virtual high school as an offshoot of its virtual university. The virtual high school is now offering ten AP courses, eight foreign language courses and two general study courses.
Michigan Virtual University (MVU) is a private, non-profit corporation established in 1998 by Michigan's governor and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. to provide online learning opportunities to Michigan's citizens. MVU does not grant degrees or certificates or teach courses, but acts as a broker of programs made available by Michigan's public and private colleges, universities, and commercial training providers. MVU is the parent organization of the Michigan Virtual High School.
Some Background on EDPro Weblog
The purpose of this weblog is to help economic development professionals -- EDPros -- keep up with the changes sweeping our profession. Strap on your goggles. It's a whole new game. There are no experts any more. The only place to learn about economic development is from other EDPros who are doing it.
One other point: the prevaling approach (paradigm, if you like) in economic development is shifting from competition to collaboration. There are a lot of reaasons underlying this shift, but here's the important insight: You, your community, and your region will do better by collaborating and sharing information.
If you are using a news reader, here is the link to syndicate this site:
Here's the link if you are a bloglines subscriber:
Speaking and workshops on Open Source Economic Development
As the idea of Open Source Economic Development starts spreading, more people are asking about it. Visit the I-Open web site to learn more. My colleagues and I are happy to explain the basic concepts in a talk or a workshop. E-mail Susan Alshuler if you'd like to learn more about workshops and speaking.
Background on Ed Morrison
Download some background information on me here.
Michigan expands virtual high school
