PSS eyes $535K upgrades to Distance Ed program

The Public School System is applying for a $425,000 technology grant to connect 400 students via teleconference in Rota, Tinian, and Saipan. The Board of Education approved PSS’ application during their most recent meeting.

With the grant, PSS also aims to reduce personnel costs by hundreds of thousands of dollars through online courses.

The total cost of the VTC equipment is $535,500.

PSS will commit in cash $110,500 to this purchase of video teleconference equipment as local match.

The grant will be used to bolster PSS’ Distance Education program. The grant comes through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

PSS will acquire computer hardware and software, audio and video equipment, computer network components, telecommunications terminal equipment, data terminal equipment, and other infrastructure and technical assistance for their program.

PSS says the grant will benefit teachers and students by providing 13 core courses in math, science, language arts, and Advanced Placement courses through video conferencing technology.

The grant will also help provide professional development courses during after school hours for teachers on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, PSS says.

PSS says online teachers are currently forced to travel on a monthly basis to learn challenges from students on other islands. The travel costs, room board, and per diem are paid through local funds that amount to $18,400, PSS says.

But with the teleconference equipment, travel costs will be reduced and this “will allow teachers to provide a more personalized and quality engagement to their students.”

PSS estimates the VTC will reduce personnel costs by $280,000 by providing thirteen online courses, which would require seven teachers that would assume and average cost of $40,000 per teacher.

PSS also says VTC will reduce travel costs for professional development for 21 teachers between Tinian and Rota to Saipan a year at a cost of $16,380.

Each year there are over 1600 students enrolled in the Distant Ed program. PSS offers 48 online courses. PSS does not have enough teachers to provide all required courses at its secondary schools.

PSS plans 10 Distance Education centers at  Tanapag Middle School, Chacha Oceanview, Kagman High School, Marianas High School, Dandan Middle School, Hopwood Junior High School, San Antonio Middle School, Saipan Southern High School, Tinian Jr. Sr. High School, and Rota High School.