Report Title:

Education; Online Learning; Task Force

 

Description:

Creates an online learning task force to develop a systematic plan to expand opportunities for online learning, to enhance the learning experiences of students across the state.

 


HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

598

TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT


 

 

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  Today's students are living in an increasingly technology-driven world.  Statistics indicate that ninety per cent of children and adolescents from ages five to seventeen use computers.  About fifty-nine per cent of them use the Internet.

     To continue captivating the minds of our youth, public education must adapt and function within the context of their changing world by applying technology.

     Access to knowledge and information has expanded exponentially due to the Internet.  Such powerful technology should be taken advantage of to enhance the learning experiences of students. 

     Online learning opens up many opportunities for students, and more and more educators and policymakers across the nation are recognizing the benefits of education unconstrained by time and place.  As of September 2006, thirty-eight states either had policies in place for online education, offered a state-led online learning program, or both.

     The purpose of this Act is to create an online learning task force to develop a systematic plan to expand opportunities for online learning, to enhance the learning experiences of students across the state.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  There is established an online learning task force to be attached to the department of education for administrative purposes.  The task force shall develop a systematic plan to expand opportunities for online learning, to enhance the learning experiences of students across the state.  The plan shall include proposals for regulatory policies appropriate to online learning programs.

     (b)  The members of the online learning task force shall include but not be limited to:

     (1)  The assistant superintendent of the department of              education office of curriculum, instruction, and                   student support or the assistant superintendent's              designee;

     (2)  The assistant superintendent of the department of              education office of information and technology                 services or the assistant superintendent's designee;               and

     (3)  A representative from the Myron B. Thompson Academy.

     (c)  Members of the online learning task force shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for expenses, including travel expenses, necessary for the performance of their duties.

     (d)  The online learning task force shall be exempt from chapter 92, Hawaii Revised Statutes; provided that the task force shall make a good faith effort to make its proceedings and work products accessible and available to the general public in a manner consistent with the intent of chapter 92, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     (e)  The online learning task force shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2008.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $      or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2007-2008 to support the operations of the online learning task force.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act and shall not be subject to chapter 103D, Hawaii Revised Statutes.


     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2007.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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