{"id":144352,"date":"2021-06-28T16:05:03","date_gmt":"2021-06-29T02:05:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/?p=144352"},"modified":"2021-06-28T16:06:09","modified_gmt":"2021-06-29T02:06:09","slug":"distance-learning-proves-good-fit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/2021\/06\/28\/distance-learning-proves-good-fit\/","title":{"rendered":"Distance learning proves good fit for Kaua\u02bbi<\/span> residents"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading time: <\/span> 2<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>
\"Carvalho
Kalei Carvalho and family<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While the COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating effects throughout the world, resilience and innovation has created new opportunities for some people.<\/p>\n

Kauaʻi<\/span> resident Kalei Carvalho<\/strong> earned a master\u2019s degree in education in learning and design and technology from University of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> at Mānoa\u2019s College of Education<\/a> in spring 2021, without having to leave her island. She was selected to represent the University Center Kauaʻi<\/span><\/a> as its student speaker at Kauaʻi<\/span> Community College\u2019s<\/a> commencement ceremonies in May.<\/p>\n

\"woman
Kalei Carvalho<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“I realized that I didn\u2019t have to leave Kauaʻi<\/span> to pursue my bachelor\u2019s degree or my master\u2019s degree,” Carvalho said in her speech<\/a>. “I know many of you have taken your first online course within the last year. Like you, my journey exposed me to new and different skill sets throughout all my distance learning that helped tremendously for my master\u2019s project.”<\/p>\n

In 2021, 44 degrees across 23 distance education programs were awarded to Kauaʻi<\/span> students. Students receive degrees or certificates awarded by the UH<\/abbr> campus offering the program of study. These distance education programs allow students to “learn at home” as many students are not able to relocate to a neighbor island to pursue an education because of obligations including work, children and eldercare. Graduates often continue to reside and work on Kauaʻi<\/span> upon graduation.<\/p>\n

An increasing number of students on Kauaʻi<\/span> have pursued UH<\/abbr> distance learning degrees, from 147 in 2019 to 185 in 2021. The majority of students are enrolled at UH<\/abbr> West Oʻahu<\/span> (48%), followed by UH<\/abbr> Mānoa (46%) and UH<\/abbr> Hilo (6%).<\/p>\n

“The University Center Kauaʻi<\/span> is such a valuable resource to Kauaʻi<\/span> residents because we provide students with comprehensive individualized local support to help them navigate their distance education journey,” said Rhonda Liu<\/strong>, an educational specialist with the University Center Kauaʻi<\/span>. “I think it is important for people to know they don\u2019t have to relocate to pursue a certificate, bachelor\u2019s degree or higher as there are opportunities to earn their degrees online and hybrid through the University of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> campuses.” <\/p>\n

UH<\/abbr> distance learning opportunities<\/h2>\n

Distance learning<\/a> gives students access to education through audio, video and computer technologies without having to be physically present in the same location as an instructor. Students can earn a four-year or master\u2019s degree from campuses system-wide with support from these University Centers<\/a>.<\/p>\n