Tag: Distance Learning

Students earn Microsoft Office certifications #DistanceLearning

Preparing students for college and careers:
MOS certification program positively validates in-demand technology skills

Where do you want your learning to take you and how can KPBSD help you get there?
2019-06-13 MS Office certifications

The KPBSD Distance Learning Program awarded 243 Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certifications—an industry recognized, standards-based credential for validating Microsoft Office skills.

“As we reach this milestone of certifying 243 students and teachers so far in the two years since becoming a Microsoft Certification Testing Center, we have seen the immediate benefits of helping our students earn the Microsoft Office Specialist certification,” said Darren Jones, Distance Learning Technology Teacher for the KPBSD. “Many students and teachers discovered an interest in technology, and took advantage of the opportunity to increase their competence, productivity, and credibility with their expertise in the Microsoft Office products. We look forward to helping many more students and teachers earn this valuable industry credential in the coming years.” Every high school student in the district can enroll and take the necessary trainings to earn the coveted Microsoft Certifications through KPBSD’s Distance Learning Program.

Celebrate elite MOS status

Sarina Wilkinson, a Soldotna Prep ninth grader will attend Soldotna High School in August, and in her ninth grade year earned five of the six certifications offered during her first year of high school! She earned certifications in MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Outlook, and MS Word Expert.
She earned two high school credits in her ninth grade year, and she will earn as many as 12 concurrent college credits from UAA. When she completes her final exam (she said it’s really tough!) she will earn the distinction of being the second and youngest KPBSD student to earn the elite status of Microsoft Office Specialist Master!
Emerald Miller, a Homer Connections Homeschool student graduated with the Class of 2019, and is the first student in the KPBSD to earn the elite status of Microsoft Office Specialist Master! She took Distance Computer Applications 1 and 2 during her junior year and Computer Applications 3 and 4 in her senior year earning her certifications in all six MS Office courses to the highest elite status. She will also have to opportunity to earn as many as 12 college credits from UAA for the successful completion of these KPBSD classes.

“We are pleased KPBSD’s Distance Learning Program has successfully implemented the MOS certification and is awarding these valuable credentials to help so many students prepare for a further education and build their resume,” said Aaron Osmond, General Manager, Certiport. “As more students realize the value of certification, their program will continue to grow and these individuals will begin to proliferate and improve the local workforce.”

The Microsoft Office Specialist certification is delivered by Certiport, a Pearson VUE business, and recognized globally as the premier credential for individuals seeking to validate their knowledge, skills and abilities relating to the Microsoft Office applications. With more than two million exams taken annually in 148 countries, MOS is the leading IT certification in the world.

About Distance Learning

The KPBSD Distance Learning Program offers a wide range of classes through an online format. The Distance Learning Program uses a variety of instructional material including teacher created materials and materials purchased from vendors such as Florida Virtual School and Aventa Learning. Online courses are delivered through the district’s Canvas learning management system (LMS). Canvas is a popular learning management system used by many secondary and post-secondary educational institutions around the world. The Distance Learning Program also utilizes multiple methods of communication including desktop conferencing tools such as Skype for Business, Google Hangouts, and others. The Distance Learning staff is also available via appointment, telephone, and email.

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District will inspire all learners to pursue their dreams in a rigorous, relevant, and responsive environment.

Kenai student honored for excellence in distance learning

USDLA Awards Natalie Marlowe with the USDLA Student Achievement Award For Excellence in Distance Learning in 2018

Kenai Central High School student Natalie Marlowe is honored by the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) with the world’s most prestigious distance learning award presented for excellence in distance learning.
“This year’s USDLA Award recipient Natalie Marlowe represents the finest examples of online courses, best practices, and leadership in our field. The depth and breadth of the USDLA membership allows us to engage with leaders from higher education, K-12, industry, military, and government who daily demonstrate the power of distance learning. We are so very proud and excited to be able to recognize this level of excellence,” said Mr. Pat Cassella, President of USDLA.
Natalie Barlowe

Natalie Marlowe, Kenai Central High School

In her words

“One of my favorite connections was when I was able to connect an Alaska and Texas elementary classroom to discuss back and forth. The amazement on the faces of Alaskan kids when the Texas students brought out their class pet, a snake, was priceless. The Texan students were equally impressed by the stories of the weather the Alaskan students considered typical on the playground.”

 

Be involved

“In the fall of 2015, I got involved in a video conferencing program offered at my high school. This program is team taught by a teacher at Kenai Central High School and a teacher at Soldotna Prep School and is designed to connect students around the world as it works to prepare them for the next generation workplace. Although I began the course looking for an extra social studies credit, as I learned more I began to realize how these global connections and networking skills would set me apart when I began applying to colleges and eventually entering the workforce.”

 

Learning

“My involvement over the past three years in this course has taught me a lot about video conferencing technology and the uses of distance education. However, it has also taught me a lot about myself as an individual. I have learned how to learn from my failures, sometimes more than from successes, and how to be flexible when things do not go as planned. I have learned how to be ready to stand up and participate in the discussion when put on the spot and how to be comfortable presenting in front my peers and large groups of adult professionals. I know the confidence and ease I have learned through these experiences will accompany me through life even outside of distance education and the use of video conferencing technology.”

 

Challenges and surprises

“Working with technology is always a gamble. There are so many things that can go wrong at any given point. I struggled especially when I was working with teachers because they looked to me to have answers when things went wrong and I didn’t always have them. Being involved in this program required me to grow in my flexibility and know when to admit I needed help and how to get that help. One key challenge I had was when I set up a conference for a teacher at an elementary school. I had gone in a few days before to make sure the technology was working but between that time and the conference date the equipment was moved and disconnected. I ended up having to cancel the conference that day and reschedule. Things like this have really taught me how to be flexible and communicate with people when things go wrong.”

Superintendent Sean Dusek said,

“I am very proud that Natalie Marlowe has earned this prestigious honor for her work with distance education as a student in our schools. She exemplifies the type of student we hope to have as KPBSD graduate. Natalie has demonstrated the highest levels of leadership and innovation in supporting staff and students to be successful in the world of online learning and I believe she will continue to make a huge impact with positively transforming education on a world-wide basis. Congratulations Natalie and I am so very proud to have you as one of our KPBSD graduates!”

KPBSD educator Rob Sparks said, “She has done an outstanding job of representing the KPBSD and has shown a high level of professionalism throughout her internship and is a super nice person on top of all her talents!”
“Natalie has been a part of our video conferencing program for three years at Kenai Central High School, and I truly appreciate all her efforts,” said Greg Zorbas, KCHS educator. “Natalie has gone above and beyond our expectations and is truly a deserving winner of the USDLA student achievement award. I am certain that her experience in the video conferencing program will help her succeed at whatever she chooses to do in the future.”
USDLA Media Release

USDLA awards Kenai student Natalie Marlowe top honors

USDLA Awards Natalie Marlowe with the USDLA Student Achievement Award For Excellence in Distance Learning in 2018

Kenai Central High School student Natalie Marlowe is honored by the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) with the world’s most prestigious distance learning award presented for excellence in distance learning.
USDLA-2018d-awd-win-slider-1140x441
Indianapolis, IN May 2, 2018 — The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) presented its 2018 International Distance Learning Awards to Natalie Marlowe in conjunction with the 2018 National Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. USDLA is a 501(c) 3 non-profit association, founded in 1987, as the nation’s leading distance learning organization. The association reaches 20,000 people globally with sponsors and members operating in and influencing 46% of the $913 billion dollar U.S. education and training market.  
These prestigious International Awards are presented annually to organizations and individuals engaged in the development and delivery of distance learning programs. Included in the recognition ceremony were awards for 21st Century Distance Learning, Innovation, Excellence in Teaching/Training, Quality Research Paper, Student Achievement, and Eagle.
“As a premier organization for the entire distance learning profession, we are honoring Natalie Marlowe as a leader in the industry,” said Dr. John G. Flores, Executive Director of USDLA. Natalie has raised the bar of excellence and we are truly honored by Natalie’s contributions within all distance learning constituencies.
The USDLA Awards were created to acknowledge major accomplishments in distance learning and to highlight those distance learning instructors, programs, and professionals who have achieved and demonstrated extraordinary results through the use of online, videoconferencing, satellite and blended learning delivery technologies.
“This year’s USDLA Award recipient Natalie Marlowe represents the finest examples of online courses, best practices, and leadership in our field.  The depth and breadth of the USDLA membership allows us to engage with leaders from higher education, K-12, industry, military, and government who daily demonstrate the power of distance learning.  We are so very proud and excited to be able to recognize this level of excellence,” said Mr. Pat Cassella, President of USDLA.
Mr. Ken Conn, Chair of USDLA Board of Directors noted that, “This year’s award winner represent many of the most innovative leaders in the field of distance learning.” He continued, “I also look forward to seeing Natalie again during National Distance Learning Week, November 5-9, 2018.”
Superintendent Sean Dusek said, “I am very proud that Natalie Marlowe has earned this prestigious honor for her work with distance education as a student in our schools. She exemplifies the type of student we hope to have as KPBSD graduate. Natalie has demonstrated the highest levels of leadership and innovation in supporting staff and students to be successful in the world of online learning and I believe she will continue to make a huge impact with positively transforming education on a world-wide basis. I am so very proud Miss Marlowe is one of our KPBSD graduates!”
Natalie, a Senior at Kenai Central High School, was the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District intern working with i2iTechnologoes, Two Way Interactive Communication in Education and Collaborations Around The Planet (CAPspace)
About United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) is a 501(c) 3 non-profit association formed in 1987 and is located in Boston, Massachusetts. The association reaches 20,000 people globally with sponsors and members operating in and influencing 46% of the $913 billion dollar U.S. education and training market.  USDLA promotes the development and application of distance learning for education and training and serves the needs of the distance learning community by providing advocacy, information, networking and opportunity. Distance learning and training constituencies served include pre-k-12 education, higher and continuing education, home schooling as well as business, corporate, military, government and telehealth markets. The USDLA trademarked logo is the recognized worldwide symbol of dedicated professionals committed to the distance learning industry. http://www.usdla.org
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Representing Alaska in the National Microsoft Championships

Two KPBSD Distance Learning Students have been invited to represent Alaska in the National Microsoft Championships!
Most of us on the Kenai Peninsula will never make it to the Olympics. But for our KPBSD students that are enrolled in a Distance Computer Applications course, there’s another kind of world championship up for grabs.
Caitlin Painter

Caitlin Painter, 11th grader at Ninilchik School, and Ethan Bott, 12th grader at Soldotna High School, who because of their exceptionally high scores in their Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification exams, have both been named Alaska’s Champion and selected to compete in Certiport’s 2018 Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship at the Marriott Marquis in Atlanta, Georgia, June 13-15, 2018.

“The number of students entering this competition in the United States continues to grow rapidly – we had more than 320,000 total entrants last year, and many U.S. Champions have gone on to compete- and place- at the MOS World Championship where they matched up against students from all over the world,” said Aaron Osmond, General Manager, Certiport. “More importantly, the level of expertise is astounding – we are so pleased to see this competition not only promote industry-endorsed certification but also prepare students for long-term college and professional success.”

During the 2018 MOS U.S. National Championship event, student competitors will take a unique exam in their track, further testing their knowledge of the applications. One winner per track will be named the 2018 MOS U.S. National Champion, and each will win an all-expenses-paid trip to compete in the 2018 MOS World Championship in Orlando, Florida, July 29 – Aug. 1, 2018.
Ethan Bott
Darren Jones, KPBSD Distance Computer Teacher said, “We are fortunate to be able to offer every high school student and teacher in the district the opportunity to take our online Computer Applications courses that provide them opportunities to earn several Microsoft Certifications. So far from the 1st semester of the 2017-2018 school year, 67 KPBSD students and one teacher (Kristin McGlothen a SoPrep Science Teacher) received at least one Microsoft Certification.”

Certifications awarded

Certifications were from the following schools across the district: 29-Soldotna High School; 15-Kenai Central High School; 11-Soldotna Prep School; 7-Connections HomeSchool; 3-Nikiski Middle-High School; 2-Nikolaevsk School; and 1-Ninilchik School. Of the 68 certifications earned, 44-Certified in Microsoft Word; 15-Certified in Microsoft PowerPoint; 5-Certified in Microsoft Excel; and 4-Certified in Microsoft Outlook.
Through the KPBSD’s articulated agreement with the Kenai Peninsula College, students can earn up to 12 college credits by taking and successfully completing our online Computer Applications 1-4 courses and earning Microsoft Certifications.
kpbsd wall of fame
Link: KPBSD Distance Education webpage

#iAmKPBSD Outstanding Students | Distance Learning

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Meet #iAmKPBSD outstanding Distance Learning education students, Fall 2016

Annie Quinn, Soldotna High School
Annie Quinn
Soldotna High School
Distance Class: Computer Applications
Distance Teacher: Darren Jones
“Annie Quinn completed all three computer applications courses this year earning her six college credits from Kenai Peninsula College. Annie has a great work ethic, time management skills and has demonstrated outstanding computer skills.”
David Weisser
David Weisser
Connections Homeschool
Distance Class: Biology A
Distance Teacher: Kim Leslie
“David’s creativity and enthusiasm for learning shine through on all of David’s work in Biology. He moves through this rigorous course on pace, showing strong understanding and bringing a level of curiosity that honors the wonders of science.”
Caleb Rauch, Homer High School
Caleb Rauch
Homer High School
Distance Class: World History
Distance Teacher: Steve Cothran
“Caleb finished the whole semester of World History by the quarter mark, and more importantly, did so while maintaining the highest quality of work.  His assignments were always comprehensive and he looked for meaningful insights between the course material and his contemporary world.”

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Gage Charlesworth, Connections Homeschool

Gage Charlesworth
Connections Homeschool
Distance Class: Health
Distance Teacher: Amanda Adams
“Gage has demonstrated true diligence in his first online course! Working continually to understand the material and remove roadblocks along the way. He responds to feedback by thinking deeper about the topics, and furthering his understandings.”
Kaitlyn Johnson, Nikiski Middle-High School
Kaitlyn Johnson, Nikiski Middle-High School

Kaitlyn Johnson
Nikiski Middle-High School
Distance Class: Language Arts 10
Distance Teacher: Amanda Adams
“Kaitlyn continually demonstrates diligence in her efforts to become a better reader and writer. Her work ethic is unwavering, always reworking assignments, clarifying with questions, and applying feedback. Kaitlyn allows her creativity to shine through into her writing, and she isn’t afraid to take risks in trying new things with the goal of expanding her ability.”
Olivia Delgado, Ninilchik School
Olivia Delgado, Ninilchik School

Olivia Delgado
Ninilchik High School
Distance Class: Pre-Calculus
Distance Teacher: Gabe Evins
“Olivia is doing outstanding in Pre-Calculus online and is seven assignments ahead of schedule.  Olivia continues to be one of my best students and shows exemplary work.  She is very respectful with her communications and is not afraid to ask for help if help is needed.”
Marissa Geissler, Homer High School
Marissa Geissler, Homer High School

Marissa Geissler
Homer High School
Distance Class: Italian 1
Distance Teacher: Emanuela Pokryfi
“Marissa has been a remarkable student with her positive and proactive attitude throughout the first quarter. She was very helpful by letting me know of errors or issues with the course and its content whenever she found one, suggesting possible solutions. Marissa also agreed to meeting with another student in her school who is enrolled in the same online course to help her in getting more grounded in the course.”
Learn more: KPBSD Distance Learning Department

The mission of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is to develop productive, responsible citizens who are prepared to be successful in a dynamic world.