The Center’s CenterNET2 network receives national award for innovative distance learning programming
CenterNET2—a national leader in videoconferencing transmission technology—received a Bronze “Best Practices” Award for Distance Learning Programming from the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) for groundbreaking videoconferencing programs delivered to secondary and post-secondary students and other network users.
The CenterNET2 project received the award at the 2009 International Distance Learning Awards held in conjunction with the USDLA national conference on April 28 in St. Louis, Mo. USDLA honors outstanding individuals and organizations for excellence in the field of distance learning, education, and training through its awards program.
“The USDLA award is testimony to the dedication and talent of our team at The Center, as well as the innovative approach of our CenterNET2 network,” Robyn Phillips, CenterNET2 project manager, said. “I am honored to be a part of such a network that is truly considered one of the most progressive distance learning networks in the country.
“CenterNET2’s unique combination of technical support and instructional guidance makes it easy for educational institutions to participate in the wide world of interactive, collaborative, video-based learning,” Phillips added. “The USDLA award is an added value of this central, statewide resource utilized by over 160 educational sites.”
The coveted International Awards are presented annually to organizations and individuals engaged in the development and delivery of distance learning programs.
The Center’s award was in recognition of the overall scope of the CenterNET2 network, which features pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade videoconferencing programs, in addition to others for community and higher education, healthcare, and professional development.
These programs have included a Kentucky history lesson on the Underground Railroad for Corbin middle school students, a visit with Holocaust survivors presented to history students in Lincoln County, and an international cultural exchange program between students in Hong Kong and Pulaski, Bell, and Whitley counties.
“As a premier organization for the entire distance learning profession, we are honoring The Center for Rural Development as a leader in the industry,” Dr. John G. Flores, CEO of USDLA, said. “The Center for Rural Development has raised the bar of excellence, and we are truly honored by The Center’s contributions to the distance learning industry.”
The Center, located in Somerset, Ky., is home of CenterNET2 network. CenterNET2 is recognized as a statewide videoconferencing platform by incorporating more than 161 educational sites into the network, including all Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) campuses across the state. CenterNET2 technology is currently being used to connect educators throughout Kentucky, creating a statewide virtual education community.
The Center for Rural Development—the Center of Excellence for rural Kentucky and the nation—provides economic and community development programs to residents in a 42-county primary service area of Southern and Eastern Kentucky, and is home to several statewide and national technology-based programs. For more information on programs available through The Center, visit www.centertech.com.
PHOTO CAPTION: The Center for Rural Development’s statewide CenterNET2 videoconferencing network was recently chosen as the winner of a “Best Practices Award for Distance Learning Programming” national award from the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA), the nation’s leading distance learning advocacy organization. Staff at The Center responsible for CenterNET2 include, back row from left, Mike Meadows, information systems specialist; Shannon Carter, systems architect; Lonnie Lawson, president and CEO, and Wally Morris, Network Operations Center support specialist; and, front row from left, Larry Combs, director of business services; Robyn Phillips, CenterNET2 project manager, and Charley Simpson, executive vice president and CIO.
