The Big Sky Community Education Partnership works to bring resources from Montana State University to the Big Sky community via MSU’s Big Sky Institute (BSI) and Extended University. In June 2008, the Big Sky Resort Tax Area District (BSRAD) awarded funds to support the Big Sky Community Education Partnership - Phase 1. The purpose of the MSU & Big Sky Community Education Partnership - Phase 1 was to identify the educational needs and wants of the Big Sky community, by asking the community itself, and to establish a distance learning facility in Big Sky.
An initial step in the community needs assessment was to organize a group of Big Sky residents who could provide input and feedback into the process of designing the project. The project has since been steered by these suggestions, including the need to be creative and adaptable to fit the unique character of the Big Sky community. To assess the needs and wants of Big Sky residents, a survey was distributed to collect information about what course offerings are most in demand. Survey questions consisted of demographic information, educational options, and employee training needs. It is overwhelmingly apparent that Big Sky residents are interested in taking courses for personal enrichment, as well as technical and business skills. Furthermore, it is most important that these classes are available in Big Sky, whether through videoconferencing software or face-to-face interaction.
To fulfill the second part of the Phase 1 goal, a distance learning facility was constructed at BSI’s office in Big Sky’s Westfork Meadows. This equipment can be used by Big Sky residents and visitors alike, and is portable. The BSI Big Sky facility is now designed as a usable space for classes and seminars, including face-to-face, videoconference events, and other needs as identified by the community and MSU. The first videoconferencing event was held in April 2009 as part of a Big Sky Chamber of Commerce Business Seminar. This event successfully showcased the potential to use videoconferencing technology as a valuable education and communication tool for the Big Sky community.
The information collected through this interactive process and the distance learning facility created are now being used to expand the educational opportunities available in Big Sky, enhancing not only quality of life, but also building upon the unique character of this mountain town. Complete survey results and a downloadable version of the final report from the year’s project can be found at the Big Sky Institute’s website at www.bsi.montana.edu.
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