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March 16, 2006
First-ever forum bringing China and U.S. higher education closer
Registration
TROY – Troy University will host the first-ever U.S.-China Forum on Distance Learning on its Troy Campus April 9 – 11.
It is the first jointly-sponsored forum of its kind in the United States, and marks a continuation of a collaboration between distance learning educators in the U.S. and the Republic of China, said Dr. Susan Aldridge, the U.S. co-chair for the event.
The first forum was held in Beijing, China in June 2005 and, as a result of the pioneering efforts in distance education and its commitment to international partnerships, the China Youth Center for International Personnel Exchanges asked TROY to host the first U.S.-based Forum.
“Troy University was honored by the request to serve as the first American host of the Forum,” Aldridge said. “Our American co-sponsors, Boston University, bring a private university perspective to developing online courses and TROY brings a perspective as the second-largest state university providing distance education in the United States.”
The Forum brings together 20 Chinese universities serving nearly 3 million students across China, TROY, Boston University and American universities from Washington, California, New York, Maryland, Florida and the Mid West.
More than 20 representatives from government agencies and universities in China will be represented at TROY to share ideas about developing quality online programs, incorporating innovative practices, future trends in both American and Chinese distance learning education, medical and engineering education at a distance in China, and quality standards for course designs.
In addition, unique demonstrations will occur, including the international unveiling of Alabama’s ACCESS project that serves high school students through videoconferencing and internet courses. Gov. Bob Riley is also scheduled to address the forum.
“The Forum is an opportunity to explore partnerships, collaborate on joint research and acquire new ideas,” said Aldridge. “Distance learning crosses international boundaries and we’re exploring opportunities to better serve students locally as well as internationally through jointly conducted courses, faculty exchanges and joint research.”
Aldridge, now president of University of Maryland University College, the nation’s largest state provider of distance learning, was previously vice chancellor of Troy University’s University College and eCampus.
TROY has been providing distance education programs for more than a half century and provides higher education at more than 60 sites in 14 international locations outside of Alabama, in addition to its four in-state campuses and eCampus. The University is the second-largest education provider in the Army’s eArmyU program.
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Contact:
Tom Davis
Troy Office of University Relations
334/670-3196
tomdavis@troy.edu
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