Hello All,

My name is Crystal Hack.  I am the GED-i Coordinator for the Center for
the Application of Information Technologies (CAIT) located at Western
Illinois University.

Slightly over five years ago, I was given the opportunity to coordinate
GED Illinois Online (now called the GED-i Project).  This was the first,
and only, state-wide distance learning adult education initiative
supported by the Illinois Community College Board.  Over the course of
five years, the project has developed a national presence, literally going
from coast to coast with Maryland and Washington both partners.  With the
introduction of the online GED curriculum came the need for professional
development for those who teach using the curriculum.  So the online
learning I coordinate moved into the professional development arena as
well.

In addition to coordinating the GED-i Project and associated professional
development, I have coordinated the development of a variety of online
learning modules for the Central Illinois Adult Education Service Center,
the Illinois Secretary of State Literacy Office, and the Ohio Literacy
Resource Center. I have also facilitated teaching and learning experiences
in the online environment, which range from independent study, direct
email trainings, and fully facilitated courses.

In response to the questions Jackie posed “Currently, what is the most
important issue or key issues you see in online or blended PD? What issue
or issues have been on your mind as of late?” I think there are several
important issues regarding online or blended professional development.
1.	Quality of the distance learning training presented.
2.	Effectiveness of the delivery method
3.	Accountability for those who attend/participate and present at a distance.
And, I have been wondering what others are doing that might work in IL and
with our national partners so I can better serve the instructors,
coordinators, and administrators I work with. Another area of interest to
me is exploring the question “Can self-paced professional development that
is not facilitated really have the same impact as facilitated PD”  The
GED-i Project is about ready to launch three self-paced, semi-facilitated
modules for adult education teachers, coordinators, and administrators.  I
would really like to hear from others that have at-a-distance self-paced,
non-facilitated, or facilitated PD.

I look forward to the idea exchanges over the next few weeks.  I have
already forwarded the EL Civics info on to several and the Literacy Behind
Bars info as well.  You might be interested in some of the GED-i’s
implementation tools and ideas.  The ideas and tools are geared for
programs using the GED-i with students but are very applicable to other
online learning programs with the GED audience in mind.  You might also be
interested in how I work with a development team to develop the online PD
modules I mentioned earlier.  Feel free to throw questions and comments my
way.  I welcome the interaction.

Chat with you soon.

Crystal Hack
GED-i Coordinator