NASA space shuttle becomes floating classroom: long-distant learning unlocks career opportunities for Alaskans.

As NASA Pilot William Oefelein became the first Alaskan in space last December, Alaskans were the only students in the world who were able to speak directly to the entire crew of STS-116 while they were in space. Through a live GCI video downlink from the shuttle on Dec. 21, more than 300 students from all over Alaska, including students at the Challenger Learning Center in Kenai, asked questions such as "How does microgravity affect the growth of plants on the space station?" and "What has been the most exciting and most difficult parts of your mission so far?" With an Alaska flag as a backdrop, Oefelein and the entire crew of astronauts sat before a video camera and spoke into a microphone as they answered the students' questions. Students in different regions of the state were able to join this linkup using GCI videoconferencing technology. It's too early to tell how many budding astronauts or aspiring NASA scientists were created through this activity, but there's no doubt that distance-learning technology is changing the career opportunity landscape in Alaska for good.

SKILLS NEEDED

A recent survey by the Conference Board, Corporate Voices for Working Families, the Partnership for 21st Century Skills, and the Society for Human Resource Management, found that the incoming American work force lacks both the basic academic and more advanced "applied" skills necessary to compete. It is clear that there needs to be greater collaboration between the business and education sectors to meet this challenge in an increasingly global economy. Alaska is already achieving this, in large part, by using distance-learning technology to provide the 21st century skills to the workers of today and tomorrow.

A PARTNERSHIP

The shuttle downlink to students is a perfect example. This event was the culmination of a five-year education partnership between NASA and GCI to bring multiple educational videoconferences with astronauts, mission control specialists, astronaut trainers and other NASA employees so that Alaskan students could learn more about careers in NASA. Prior to the shuttle's launch, students from Kotzebue, Dillingham, Unalakleet, Kenai and elsewhere participated in two educational videoconferences from NASA's Johnson Space Center: one with Pilot Oefelein and the other with his mission trainer and fellow Alaskan from Palmer, Adam Flagan. Ultimately, these videoconferences gave students insight into two very distinct career opportunities in NASA. The students were inspired by other Alaskans who demonstrated the applied benefit of the 21st century skills they are learning in the classroom.

INTERACTIVE WEB SITE

Another very important piece of this NASA education program included an interactive Web site created by GCI, Alaska Distance Learning Partnership and Challenger Learning Center of Alaska called www.akastronaut.org. Here, Oefelein blogged about his mission and answered student questions while he was in space. One student from Dillingham Elementary asked, "What happens if the astronauts get sick on the ISS?"

Oefelein, wrote, "We have medicines and equipment, much like a paramedic, to take care of sicknesses and injuries."

A sixth-grader from Nikiski North Star Elementary asked, "Did you find training to be an astronaut really hard?"

Oefelein responded, "Not really. Probably the hardest training I did in my Navy career was studying to become a test pilot. There was a lot of math and science required, in addition to the precise flying and report writing we had to do. Second, was when I went through TOPGUN. That was some of the most intense, yet fun, flying I have ever had the privilege of doing." In addition to asking Oefelein questions, students could also access the Web site to view video footage of the mission and read more about Oefelein and his fellow astronauts.

CAREER PROGRAM

GCI's Career Exploration Opportunities (CEO) program examines may other types of careers with distance-learning technology. Through this program, several high schools around the state prepare students for internships and, eventually, success in the work force. Students from different schools are able speak to one another and collaborate on school projects related to their career exploration using interactive educational Web sites and distance-learning tools. In addition, students in different regions are able to ask questions directly to employers about long-term career goals, job-searching strategies and about summer internship opportunities. Members of the Department of Labor conduct mock interviews via videoconferencing with students at the different sites and offer constructive feedback. Students who successfully complete the program are recommended for summer internship placement.

AVTEC HELPS

This type of career development is not just happening for K-12 students. Alaska employees are getting the additional training they need without leaving their home or office. Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC) leads a series of successful continuing education programs in a wide range of fields utilizing distance-learning technologies. One course offered by AVTEC provides industry-specific digital literacy training. Using a computer with speakers, microphone and a broadband Internet connection, employees are able to take courses that allow them to obtain the computer certification they need to stay or advance within their workplace. Similarly, AVTEC also provides distance-learning courses for school paraprofessionals who must meet the requirement of the federal No Child Left Behind Law. With travel costs rising each year, it is becoming cost prohibitive for many employers to send an employee to a location to receive the training they need. AVTEC eliminates this burden entirely, no matter what region of the state someone is from.

Geography and distance are no longer a major obstacle for Alaskans. The state's educators have been able to use technologies that give Alaska's work force an edge in this 21st century economy, allowing businesses to remain competitive and vibrant.

Pam Lloyd is senior program manager for GCI SchoolAccess, which provides distance-learning services to educational institutions across Alaska. Prior to working for GCI, Lloyd worked 15 years in the Anchorage School District as an educator and technology coordinator.

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