RCCD Distance Education
The Distance Education department at RCCD consists of a team of caring professionals dedicated to the students and faculty of RCCD and to improving the distance education experience of all colleges within the District.
Enjoy District DE's end-of-year magazine!
Meet the DE Team
Department Vision Led By Dean Shawna BuShell
The Distance Education Department will serve as a vital support system for faculty and staff, enhancing their ability to engage, inspire, and motivate students in online learning environments. Our focus will be on creating an educational ecosystem that prioritizes student engagement, reflection, and motivation, empowering learners to thrive in their academic journeys.
We will address the challenges that online students face, such as isolation, depression,
and disconnection from campus life, by implementing initiatives grounded in research
and best practices. Our commitment is to foster a sense of community and belonging
among online learners, ensuring they feel connected and supported throughout their
educational experiences.
As we plan for 2030, we will prioritize the selection of effective and affordable
products and tools that cater to our educational community's needs. We will also actively
collaborate with the entire Region 9 network to establish common practices and shared
resources, fostering a culture of partnership and continuous improvement across our
institutions. Together, we will create a dynamic and inclusive online learning environment
that promotes student success and well-being.
- shawna.bushell@rccd.edu
- (951) 222-8561 CAADO Office
Cristina Miranda, Administrative Assistant III
My Vision: Coming soon...
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- cristina.miranda@rccd.edu
- (951) 328-3721 CAADO Office
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Derek Moore, Learning Systems Analyst
My Vision: Coming soon...
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- derek.moore@rccd.edu
- (951) 222-8694 CAADO Office
- derek.moore@rccd.edu
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Jo Barron, Learning Systems Analyst
My Vision: My goal is to empower students by leveraging digital learning tools to simplify their educational journeys, foster meaningful connections, and make higher education more attainable and achievable. By providing access to digital technologies, we can create a more inclusive and engaging learning environment.
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- jovanny.barron@rccd.edu
- CAADO Office: coming soon
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Anish Bhatia, Accessible Technology & Media Coordinator
My Vision: Coming soon...
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- anish.bhatia@rccd.edu
- (951) 222-8696 CAADO Office
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Rose Munoz, Accessible Technology & Media Coordinator
My Vision: My vision for Distance Education is to revolutionize online learning by fostering an environment where accessibility drives creativity, diversity, and academic success for all students. By creating inclusive and accessible digital platforms, we will enhance online students' engagement, participation, and sense of belonging.
Distance learning has transformed education, offering unprecedented opportunities for learners worldwide. As this revolution continues, ensuring equity and inclusion becomes not just a priority but a fundamental pillar of the online learning experience. Every student, regardless of ability, background, or location, deserves to feel represented, empowered, and supported in their educational journey.
This vision calls for a commitment to designing innovative, adaptable, and universally accessible tools that elevate the learning experience while breaking down barriers to success. By championing inclusivity and equity, we create a future where online education is not just an option but a transformative force for global empowerment.
- rosa.munoz@rccd.edu
- CAADO Office phone comint soon
DJ Hawkins, Assistant Director, Instructional Design
My Vision: Distance learning has come a long way over the last century, from correspondence courses to Hyflex learning. Two constants weave throughout each iteration of distance learning: the learner's motivation to achieve their educational goals and the instructor's passion for their subject matter. Personal motivations combined with distance learning options provide students with solutions to their time, money, and scheduling struggles. Additinally, when instructors infuse passion into their instruction, their love shines through their content, assessments, and feedback. The instructor’s passion compliments their student’s motivation as both are focused on the student’s success. AI-based content and instruction is the next iteration of distance learning. Many students and educators have concerns about how AI will impact learning and success. However, these same concerns were raised with each iteration, and each time, our student’s drive to learn and our faculty’s love of teaching provide a firm foundation to navigate these changes in distance learning. I have faith that these constants will continue to stabilize distance learning as we transition to a new AI-based educational landscape.
- dj.hawkins@rccd.edu
- (951) 222-8216 CAADO Office
