Alabama DOE Turns to Web-Based Enrollment and Scheduling for Online Learning

The Alabama Department of Education has announced a partnership with data management solution provider STI for a Web-based system to manage statewide scheduling and enrollment of its online learning program. Using STI's Information LIVE (Learning In a Virtual Environment) system, the state DOE will manage all student enrollment, as well as class and staff scheduling, for its entire ACCESS (Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators, and Students Statewide) Program. The announcement was made at the 2009 National Educational Computer Conference (NECC) this week in Washington, DC.

Beginning with the 2009-2010 school year, Alabama has instituted a new high school graduation requirement that all students take at least one online course. This requirement will inevitably lead to a sizeable increase in online course enrollment throughout the state, and the DOE wants its computer network to be ready for the coming surge in traffic.

"Our ACCESS program is transforming education in Alabama, providing students with individualized instruction in a 21st century learning environment," said State Superintendent of Education Joe Morton. "STI's system is a critical component in accomplishing our mission to ensure all students in the state have equal opportunity to access high-quality education and to expand their horizons."

The state will integrate existing student data from its statewide SIS, also provided by STI, into Information LIVE in order to minimize duplicate information and ensure accuracy. The DOE said it also plans to incorporate new data it gathers via the LIVE system into its overall data system used for long-term program and policy planning, as well as funding decisions.

About the Author

Scott Aronowitz is a freelance writer based in Las Vegas. He has covered the technology, advertising, and entertainment sectors for seven years. He can be reached here.

Featured

  • students using digital devices, surrounded by abstract AI motifs and soft geometric design

    Ed Tech Startup Kira Launches AI-Native Learning Platform

    A new K-12 learning platform aims to bring personalized education to every student. Kira, one of the latest ed tech ventures from Andrew Ng, former director of Stanford's AI Lab and co-founder of Coursera and DeepLearning.AI, "integrates artificial intelligence directly into every educational workflow — from lesson planning and instruction to grading, intervention, and reporting," according to a news announcement.

  • toolbox featuring a circuit-like AI symbol and containing a screwdriver, wrench, and hammer

    Microsoft Launches AI Tools for Educators

    Microsoft has introduced a variety of AI tools aimed at helping educators develop personalized learning experiences for their students, create content more efficiently, and increase student engagement.

  • laptop displaying a red padlock icon sits on a wooden desk with a digital network interface background

    Reports Point to Domain Controllers as Prime Ransomware Targets

    A recent report from Microsoft reinforces warns of the critical role Active Directory (AD) domain controllers play in large-scale ransomware attacks, aligning with U.S. government advisories on the persistent threat of AD compromise.

  • Two hands shaking in the center with subtle technology icons, graphs, binary code, and a padlock in the dark blue background

    Two Areas for K-12 Schools to Assess for When to Work with a Managed Services Provider

    The complexity of today’s IT network infrastructure and increased cybersecurity risk are quickly moving beyond many school districts’ ability to manage on their own. But a new technology model, a partnership with a managed services provider, offers a way forward for schools to overcome these challenges.