Anna Bendo, eStudent Service’s special project coordinator, began her interest in educational technology in graduate school. From an early age she was attracted to helping others find access to higher education. Through eStudent Services she is able to use those interests to help improve higher education for all Ohioans.
Anna earned her Ph.D. from University of Maryland College Park, her master’s in education from the University of Michigan and her bachelor’s in history and Spanish from William & Mary. Before her position as special projects coordinator, Anna worked as the assistant director of the Ohio Learning Network.
Anna recently talked with eStudent Services about her position responsibilities, her love for knitting and the motto she chooses to live her life by.
How long have you been with eStudent Services?
I joined eStudent Services when we were still a part of the Ohio Learning Network in 2005.
What are your responsibilities as the Special Project Coordinator at eStudent Services?
I work on projects that further the goals of eStudent Services. Our goals are to expand access to dual enrollment opportunities for high school students, expand access to adult higher education opportunities through technology as well as develop and promote learning and assessment through the use of technology. We also provide advice on emerging learning directed technologies, support the distance learning clearinghouse, and facilitate cost effectiveness through shared investments in educational technology.
Why do you feel that eStudent Services tools are important for high school/undergraduate students?
We provide people with more ways to learn about gaining a higher education. By offering methods for students to learn more about attending college online as well as having tools like an online catalog of all of the state of Ohio's colleges' distance learning offerings has helped guide students. Access to higher education is a passion of mine and online services give people access to that information from their homes 24/7.
What is one of your most memorable experiences with a prospective student?
In 2010, we created a QuickStart to College grant where we offered about 80 people the opportunity to start college quickly with an orientation course at four different community colleges. The course helped the future students to determine where they might need developmental courses and where they had strengths. They were also able to earn actual college credit at no cost to themselves and received an orientation on how to use some of the new learning management systems and how to take online courses.
What’s something about yourself that might surprise people? I like to knit when I have more time and my three kids are not taking up all of it like they are right now. I also like to run half-marathons.
What goals do you have for yourself this year? Professionally, I'd like to increase the visibility and scope of eStudent Services so that more people in the state are aware of what services we have to offer. Personally, I'm always striving to strike the right work/life balance.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I enjoy spending time with my husband and three children and playing tennis.
Do you have a favorite motto?
"When given the choice between being right and being kind, choose kind." R.J. Palacio, Wonder
