Online Learning Uses in the K-12 Learning Environment

EDTC 601: 5.2 Online Learning ProposalBetty Hustead

April 19, 2011

thereallacanada.com

Our mission is to provide a quality education that prepares all children for a successful future.

(Jeffco Schools 2011)

AGENDA

Mission Best practices for education Educational options for students Which option fits which student? Pros/Cons of online learning Best practices for teaching K-12 online Educational methods Jeffco district online classes Jeffco classes and training Recommendations to improve online learning Future recommendations for further improvements Bibliography

Best Practices for EducationTraditional Education Online Education Accredited Ease of credit transfer Licensed teachers Graduation rate Counseling support Variety of courses (AP, Honors) Run by district Program has positive track record Receive support from businesses Free to attend (hidden costs?) Sports/Activities/Clubs Prevalent

Accredited Policy for transfer of credits Licensed (credential) teachers Student/Teacher ratio Graduation rate Designed support system Program is backed by reputable source

(University based High School programs are usually high quality)

Variety of courses Price of program (no hidden costs?) Run by school or a business? Program has positive track record

Education Options for Students

“We know that educational success means different

things to different people; that’s why our online

classes are designed to meet a wide variety of needs.

Study full time and receive a Jeffco high school

diploma, go part time while attending classes at

another Jeffco school, or take credit recovery classes

to catch up on credits.”

(Jeffco Schools 2011)

Which option is best for the

student?

Traditional Student Best Practices for

successStudents need: proper supplies (pens,

paper, computer access) study time communication skills responsible know learning style attend classes

Online Student Self Evaluation

Online Student Best Practices for Success

Students need: to set goals a distraction free study area to ask questions time manage (be proactive, responsible) know learning style to communicate well to understand how to use technology to be willing to manage emails, chats, phones,

discussions reward accomplishments

Pros for Student Online Learning Cons for Student Online Learning

•Students will be familiar and comfortable with advanced technology systems

•Parent involvement is much higher for k-8 online than traditional school

•Students will have an advantage when pursuing future career or college

•Some students will miss the interaction with other students

•Families are actively involved in all aspects of their child’s education

•Students with IEPs and other special learning plans may have trouble with online

•Students are more engaged with the learning process than in a traditional school setting

•Student may have trouble motivating self to do the work

•Parent/teacher communication is significantly closer than in traditional school settings

•Issues with internet access

•Teachers know students more intimately than in traditional school classrooms – smaller number of students

•Digital Divide for student and teacher with the parent may interfere with learning and communication

•Individual learning plans are used per student

•Teachers can suggest specific courses per child’s interests

(Online Schools 2011)

•students may participate in extra-curricular events

•Students have 24/7 access, own pace, own time

•Gifted AND at risk students flourish

Best Practices for Teaching K12 Online Learning

Consistent assignment deadlines Time for evaluation (no time for procrastination) Assess on quality not quantity Interactive activities keep interest and engage students

(chats, blogs, conferencing, revisions, comments, presentations, and more)

Timely feedback to assure students the support is there Excellent communication skills Willing and able to get to know students and parentsNational Standards for Online Teachers (Inacol 2010)

Educational MethodsJefferson County online classes follow the Colorado State

Standards, 21st Century Skills, the ISTE National Educational Technology Standards, CAP documents and use the Universal Design for Learning strategies.

Teachers use Marzano’s strategies to engage students and help them become life-time learners. Technique examples include cooperative learning projects, discussions/Q&A, research and graphic analysis.

Bloom’s hierarchy of digital learning is also used to achieve the higher learning everyone desires and deserves by making the students think outside the box to find answers.

Jeffco District Online ClassesInclude: Virtual learning Certified teachers H. S. diploma CDE credit/NCAA credit Student/parent access to grades Free to Colorado students (small fee

for out of state) Meet Colorado standards Full-time/Part-time/Recovery

options Personalized attention 24/7 access to class and teachers

Watch Student Video

Our Mission:To provide a quality education that prepares all students for a successful future through a rigorous curriculum, strong connections, and a vibrant learning community

Jeffco Classes Offered OnlineEnglish: Lang. Arts 1 - 4,

Boys’ 9th EngMath: Pre-Alg, Alg 1-2,

Geometry, Pre-Calc/Trig, Honors Trig

Science: Earth, Biology, Physics, Chemistry

Social Studies: World Geography, World History, US History, US Gov’t, Economics

World Language: Spanish 1-2, Native learner, Chinese 1-2, Russian 1-2

Visual Arts: Digital PhotoMusic: Music History,

SongwritingElectives: Anthropology,

Career Exploration, Forensics, Health Fitness, Journalism, Marine Biology, Psychology, Study Skills

Jeffco Teacher Training

Licensed TeacherTeach licensed contentComplete online

trainingJeffco offers online

trainingJeffco pays for training

or subs

Recommendationsto improve online learning in our district

1. Blended classes are the ideal method for learning.

a. Students attend school 1 time per week in class

b. Complete assignments on line

c. Use virtual lectures, chats, and cooperative learning

d. Field trips for relevance and deeper understanding

e. Cost to create this style of learning is none to very small

2. The Virtual Academy program needs updated to match the Jeffco expectations in network application ability.

a. Better communication with online help situations both at district and host sites – research and take bids for host

Future Recommendationsto improve online learning in our district

1. Add class choices at the High School level to reach the students at high risk – help graduation rate and drop out rate

2. Advertise throughout the state, not just within schools – more enrollment

3. Add adult blended classes at night or on weekend – support community and charge for classes

4. Add class choices for 1st grade – 8th grade – homebound and home school students stay with Jeffco

ReferencesJeffco’s 21st Century Virtual Academy. (n.d.). Retrieved April, 2011, from Jefferson County Public

Schools website: http://www.jeffcopublicschools.org/ online/

Nastu, J. (2011). eSN special report: Blended learning on the rise. eSchool news: Technology News for Today’s K-20 Educator. Retrieved from http://www.eschoolnews.com

National standards for quality online teaching. (2010). Retrieved April, 2011, from International Association for K-12 On-line Learning website: http://www.inacol.org/ research/ nationalstandards/ NACOL%20Standards%20Quality%20Online%20Teaching.pdf

New report highlights barriers to online learning. (2011). eSchool News: Technology News for Today’s K-20 Educator. Retrieved from http://www.eschoolnews.com/ 2010/ 11/ 11/ new-report-highlights-barriers-to-online-learning/ print/

On-line schooling K-12. (2011). Retrieved April, 2011, from http://www.onlineschools.org/

Technology Solutions for Teaching and Research: Maximize your effectiveness through the use of technology. (2008, August 4). Retrieved April, 2011, from University of Wisconsin, Madison, Division of Information Technology, Academic Technology website: https://academictech.doit.wisc.edu/ ORFI/ otr/ communication/ communicate_content.html

Umpstead, B., & Grigg, K. (2011). Michigan uses online learning to reach at-risk students. eSchool News:Technology News for Today’s K-20 Educator. Retrieved from http://www.eschoolnews.com/ 2010/ 06/ 02/ michigan-uses-online-learning-to-reach-at-risk-students/ print/