NORTHERN TODAY 9 FALL 2021 NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSI TY | News IFTEEN YEARS AGO WHEN Christian Pirlet was earning his bachelor’s degree from Northern State University, only one distance learning presentation was part of his studies. Today, however, e-learning is his job. “Several years ago students probably would’ve scoffed at the idea of needing to take a remote learning or distance teaching experience,” said Pirlet, who teaches e-learning coursework as assistant professor of educational technology at NSU. “But obviously the last couple years, it’s been a wake-up call.” As distance education becomes increasingly common, Northern continues to pave the way through more than just the Center for Statewide E-learning. All students pursuing an undergraduate teaching degree are required to take a classroom technology course. Northern also offers a minor and a master’s degree in e-learning. The M.S.Ed. in Instructional Design in E-Learning program also offers an accelerated option. This makes it easier for teachers already working in the classroom to earn their master’s degree, and it allows undergraduate education students to earn their master’s in a shorter timeframe. The program also involves an internship with the E-learning Center so students gain experience from master e-learning teachers in how to facilitate classes and coursework, Pirlet said. He said the number of undergraduate students interested in e-learning is growing. They value technology, but want to use it effectively and not just have it as a filler. “It’s not just you go on Zoom and do a lecture or post something on Google Classroom,” he said. “It’s how to effectively communicate with those learners, regardless of age.” Rural Student Teaching Program E-learning is also a way for Northern to support rural school districts. The Millicent Atkins School of Education also offers the Rural Student Teaching Program, which places students into rural South Dakota communities that otherwise might not be able to host student teachers, said Abby Exner, Northern’s director of field experiences. The program awards students a stipend, available through state funding, to offset some of the costs of being placed in rural communities, such as housing or transportation. Any rural district at least 40 miles outside of Aberdeen qualifies. Supervisors then use technology such as Zoom or Panopto to oversee teacher candidates, Exner said. Last year, 10 students participated in school districts in Wolsey, Milbank, Gettysburg, Eureka, Florence, Newell, Waverly, Leola, Bowdle, Langford and Huron. Northern is on track to have another 10 students participate in spring 2022, adding districts in Hamlin County (Hayti), Gregory and Hoven. Along with providing a rural district with a student teacher, Exner said the program also benefits students by allowing them to become immersed in a small community and its culture. “Diversifying their placements is another advantage to students for participating in the program,” she said. Plus, she said, it’s an opportunity for employment; more than 60 percent of students who participated in the Rural Student Teaching Program last year got employed in their district. Student Perspective Rachel Secker was placed in the Eureka School District through the Rural Student Teaching Program in fall 2020. She now teaches at Eureka Elementary school as the Special Education teacher. “My experience was great. I learned so much and it helped me become a better teacher,” Secker said. “I had to be out of my comfort zone and at first it was a challenge for me, but it has really made me grow as an individual. I got to experience and be a part of some amazing opportunities. I loved that the classes were not huge and that I got to really know my students and build those relationships with them.” Secker said Northern really helped prepare her for her teaching career. “Northern was amazing,” she said. “I would highly encourage everyone to check out Northern for teaching. Going into my student teaching I felt scared, but as I got into my experience Northern prepared me with lots of knowledge.” As distance education grows, Northern continues to pave the way Christian Pirlet Assistant Professor of Educational Technology Rachel Secker Special Education teacher, Eureka School District Abby Exner Director of Field Experiences “Northern was amazing. I would highly encourage everyone to check out Northern for teaching.” F “
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