RCCD Distance Education

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.

Derek Moore, Learning Systems Analyst

My Vision: In my vision to Connect, Overcome, Re-Imagine, and Empower (C.O.R.E.), I aspire to bridge the gap between technology and how it connects to online pedagogy, creating a seamless and equitable online learning environment for faculty, staff, and students. By proactively maintaining and optimizing instructional technologies, I ensure that our virtual infrastructure supports diverse learning needs and evolves alongside the demands of modern education. Through collaborative efforts with district network professionals and vendors, I advocate for robust, reliable, and user-friendly systems that empower every stakeholder in our educational community.

I am dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous improvement, training, and innovation. By designing and delivering engaging workshops, tutorials, and promotional content, I aim to elevate technological confidence and practical excellence among faculty and staff. Together, we will overcome technological insecurities, embrace inclusive practices, and achieve unprecedented levels of student success in distance education, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation.

• • • derek.moore@rccd.edu
      
    • (951) 222-8694 CAADO Office

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.

Anish Bhatia, Accessible Technology & Media Coordinator

My Vision: Coming soon...

Rose Munoz, Accessible Technology & Media Coordinator

My vision: For Distance Education 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.

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. Additionally, 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.