The example of the formation of a learning community in a Yukon Island retreat center demonstrates the influence of context and the importance of community building. Organic learning occurs through the synthesis of the natural environment, the community, and the learning process. (SK)

With teacher shortages in both general and critical needs areas and constricting operating budgets, it is important for Colleges of Education to develop methods of providing alternative certification programs to reach larger segments of the population. One method of increasing the scope of potential preservice teachers is through the development…

A university consortium developed a continuing-education series for rural Pennsylvania nurses using videoconferencing. The program was well received by participants and proven a viable method of delivery to isolated areas. (SK)

Oral history courses offered in the Cambridgeshire Fenland of England were designed to widen participation of isolated and disadvantaged adults and develop transferable skills in communication, information technology, and working together. The focus on these key skills was intended to raise self-esteem and increase self-assessment abilities. (SK)

What were the influences on the Inuit of Northern Labrador preceding the creation of the self-governing territory of Nunatsiavut? What are the preterritorial influences of the Inuit on the territory's five schools? To answer these questions and to share the success of one Indigenous people, the Nunatsiavut Inuit (the Inuit of Northern Labrador,…

Counselors in rural areas face unique challenges in striving to practice ethically and meet the needs of clients and communities. These challenges lead rural counselors to examine and question their daily practice and lives in an attempt to balance ethical codes with the realities of rural life. Describes these challenges and suggestions to…

Despite problems of isolation and lack of resources, studies show rural physicians are uncomfortable with distance education technologies for continuing education. A Penn State pilot project is testing use of desktop conferencing equipment in doctors' offices to deliver continuing education via the World Wide Web. (SK)

The collaboration between the Frontier Nursing Service and the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing provides a way for those with associate degrees in midwifery to obtain a baccalaureate degree in nursing and become eligible for advanced training in midwifery. Distance learning facilitates instruction for the geographically dispersed midwives.…

A preceptorship program provided professional development for rural nurses in South Australia, with colleagues acting as mentor-preceptors. The program overcame their geographic and professional isolation and equipped them with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to make changes. (SK)

Australia has a long history of what has been pilloried as "cultural cringe", and of bemoaning its isolation from "overseas" developments. In recent years, the valuing of ideas and practices from elsewhere has been transformed under the rubric of "world best practice" within a global economy and culture, both in…

Remoteness has generally been defined in terms of distance from major urban centers, but research suggests that the correlation between distance and remoteness is not necessarily linear. A more reliable determinant of degree of remoteness may involve the concept of resistance, namely the cost, time, and effort related to travel between centers,…

Data from interviews with Australian training providers, employers, community organizations, and trainees were analyzed thematically and assessed against quality assurance standards for apprentices/trainees ("vocational learning checkpoints"). Results reflect many of the problems addressed by the checkpoints in the areas of…

Vocational teachers in northern Canada are challenged to meet the unique needs of their students who are physically isolated; who must cope with harsh climate; who live in small communities; and who face an almost unbridgeable cultural gap. Teachers are challenged to prepare students for limited local employment or for life without a job. (JOW)

A study of rural adult learners in northern England found that 96% had not been involved in learning in the past 5 years; transportation and child care difficulties hinder participation; a stigma is attached to participation in literacy programs; and inability to pay is a significant barrier. (SK)

The curriculum continuity for students in isolated rural areas is affected due to the difficulty in getting teachers. Thus, there is a lack of cultural events such as musical performances that hinder students' horizons as a result of this geographical isolation.