IMPACT GEORGIA MAGAZINE
GOING THE DISTANCE
TO CONTINUE EDUCATION
As schools across the nation have had to adjust to the new normal in educational instruction , the Georgia Department of Corrections has been no different . Throughout the year , academic education staff worked diligently to find and apply for the USDA ’ s Rural United States Distance Learning and Telemedicine ( RUS-DLT ) grant and the Department of Education CARES Act Distance Learning grant ( CARES act ). Sixteen state facilities and State Offices South at Tift College were awarded $ 376,000 through the RUS-DLT grant , and $ 119,000 was awarded to all other state facilities . In October 2021 , the distance learning materials began arriving at facilities , and academic staff began creating interactive and engaging lessons for students . On November 16 , 2021 , the first-ever distance learning class was taught at Smith State Prison and streamed live to 17 facilities around the state . The day ’ s subject was Science , and the topic was punnet square diagrams , which show the genotypes two individuals can produce when crossed . Thanks to academic education ’ s determination and hard work , students around the state will now have access to content area specialists to help them better prepare for their General Equivalency Diplomas .
Attained grants from RUS-DLT and the CARES Act which will provide for the purchase of distance learning equipment .
20 instructors and members of leadership were selected as Distance Learning Ambassadors .
Created a SharePoint site resource for educational staff .
First distance learning course was conducted from Ware SP and broadcast to Macon SP . Purchased Boardworks and SMART software , online curriculum resource for teachers .
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