August 17, 2005

For Immediate Release                                                         
Page 1 of 1

e-Learning Commission Learns How Distance Education

Relates to Teacher Preparation

Greenville, NC – The e-Learning Commission will visit East Carolina University to discuss and tour the Distance Education (DE) facilities on Thursday, August 18, 2005. The meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. in the Global Classroom located in the Science and Technology Building.  The College of Education will give a presentation regarding DE and how it relates to teaching and teacher preparation.  Marilyn Sheerer, Interim Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and Dean of the College of Education; and Jim Smith, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs will make opening remarks.  Dr. Elmer Poe, Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Outreach will give an overview of DE and ECU’s facilities to the e-Learning Commission. 

The e-Learning Commission was created by the State Board of Education and the Business Education Technology Alliance under the leadership of the groups' chairs, Howard Lee and Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue.  Dr. John C. Boling, director of SAS inSchool, and Larry Seigler, retired business executive, of Greenville, co-chair the e-Learning Commission.  The Commission's goals include assisting the University of North Carolina Board of Governors, the North Carolina Independent Universities and Colleges, the North Carolina Community College Board and the State Board of Education in developing e-learning standards and infrastructures that provide virtual learning opportunities to students and citizens. The Commission assists the State Board of Education in developing a virtual high school for North Carolina students.

For more information, contact Jessica W. Davenport, Director of Communications, College of Education at 252-328-2179.