K12 Online Learning

1. K12 Online Learning By: Rajeeb Pradhan

2. What is online learning? • Online learning is a form of distance education, which is not restricted by time or location. • In online learning, “instruction and content are delivered primarily via the Internet”. • Many K-12 online learning programs in North American are referred to as virtual schools.

3. Classroom vs. Online Learning Classroom Online Pros: Learning not confined by time or location Information can be easily shared by teacher and student alike Cons: Due to changing technology, accessing specific learning environments might be a problem Due to the newness of online learning, effective teaching methods may be questionable • Pros: • Provides interactive classroom setting that promotes the open exchange of ideas. • Cons: • passive learning dominates • Little emphasis placed on different learning styles and needs of students • Little emphasis placed on problem solving, critical thinking, and higher order learning skills

4. Advantages of Online Learning • Course work can be scheduled around personal and professional schedule. • Course materials can be accessed at anytime or from any place with a computer and internet accessed, thus reducing travel time and cost. • Self-paced learning allows students to work at their own pace. • Students can join discussion groups or interact wit the instructor and or classmates remotely in “chat rooms.” • Through independent, small group, and large group learning activities, different learning styles are utilized to facilitate learning. • Develops computer and internet skill, which can be further utilized

5. Disadvantages of Online Learning • It might be difficult for students with poor study habits and/or are unmotivated. • It might take time to get use to the lack of structure and or routine (self-paced). • It might be isolating due to lack of face-to-face interaction and/or unavailability of the instructor on demand. • It might cause frustration for students with slow or unreliable internet connections. • It might involve a learning curve due to the learning software being used. • It might be difficult to simulate the traditional hands-on courses.

6. Best Practices for K12 Online Learning. • The principles and standards for best practices are similar to a classroom settings “based on the mutual emphasis placed on content area expertise, communication skills, and instructional design.” • Set clear learning goals and path • Use diverse modes of learning to meet student learning style and needs • Provide adequate time for practice and opportunities to master skills

7. Best Practices Continued • Provide prompt and constructive feedback • Provide “an optimal balance of challenge and support that is tailored to the individual students' readiness and potential.” • Provide a place for students post active and critical discussion • Provide questions that relate to students’ interests • Provide an effective learning experience • Provide a learning environment that supports and encourages inquiry

8. Best Practices Continued • Focus on the program. This goes beyond just posting the syllabus or course notes. You have to create a more effective learning experience. • For a successful implementation, various factors need to be considered. • Support resources for the program • Project plan (timeline) • Prioritizing programs (high impact) • Program design/redesign committee • Well developed pedagogy (uniqueness) • Set guidelines to measure success

9. Best Practices Continued • Faculty Support & Student Services: Success and quality of an online learning program is dependent on the faculty that teaches the course and the students it serves. • “Provide faculty with support in online technology and pedagogy so that they can focus on using the tools to enhance their interactivity with students.” • “Provide one-on-one instructional-design consultations along with staff-development classes that require faculty to experience online courses from the student perspective and to develop their own online courses.” • “Course materials must be available and easy to use, and students must have someone to call when they need technical help.”

10. Best Practices Continued • Goals & Measurement: • Have a measurable guideline set for quality and growth of the program. • Have set objectives to determine progress.

11. Best Practices for Teaching Online • Be present at the course site. • Create a supportive online course community. • Set and share clear guidelines and expectations for the course. • Use a variety of work experiences: individual, small group, and large group. • Ask for feedback and suggestions early in the program. • Prepare Discussion Posts that Invite Questions, Discussions, Reflections and Responses. • Focus on content resources and applications and links to current events and examples that are easily accessed from learner's computers. • Combine core concept learning with customized and personalized learning . • Plan a good closing and wrap activity for the course.

12. Best Practices for Student Success in K12 Online Learning • Read the syllabus and use it as a road map • Complete all assignments and turn them in on time • Carefully follow the online resources on a weekly basis • In every class session, assignment, andreading, find one new idea • Support and encourage classmates • Contribute to the discussion • Use your own experience in the discussion • Stay organized • Never procrastinate • Set long-term goals

13. CCSD Online Learning Environment: Programs • Programs and Classes: • American Government • BiologyCollege Algebra • College Trigonometry • College Prep Reading and Writing • Core Composition I • Core Composition II • Geography • Geology • Health • Personal Fitness I and II • United States History

14. CCSD Online Learning Environment: Structure • Designed to meet graduation requirements. • Classes follow a traditional school calendar. • Students can access the online course from any computer with internet access and a course email address. • Students may work at their own pace as long as the assignments are posted by the specified due date. • Students are expected to spend 5 – 8 hours a day on their course work, but it may vary according to student choice/need. • Online courses are free, but if the student wants a college credit he/she must pay the amount necessary for the credit.

15. CCSD Online Learning Environment: Requirements for Students • Must take responsibility for his/her learning • Must be a self directed and self-disciplined learner • Must have internal motivation to manage his/her own learning • Must be able to read and follow detailed instructions • Must have a great command of written and oral communication skills • Must have a basic grasp of navigating the internet • Must have access to a computer with an internet and email access.

16. CCSD Online Learning Environment: Expectations for Teachers • There are expectations for classroom teachers, but there wasn’t any expectations outlined for online learning. • Professional development also centers around classroom teachers.

17. Sites to Visit • http://www.k12.com/ • http://www.inacol.org/events/ • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jU1WujyADk • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIu8e3I67HQ&feature=related • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0fJKvdjQgs&feature=related • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crx7bfZzEjg

18. Bibliography • Center for Teaching and Learning, University of Maryland University College Best Practices in Online Learning www.umuc.edu/distance/odell/ctla/resources/bestpractices.pdfRetrieved June 20, 2011 • Abel, Rob (Volume 28, November 3, 2005) Implementing Best Practices in Online Learning http://www.educause.edu/EDUCAUSE+Quarterly/EDUCAUSEQuarterlyMagazineVolum/ImplementingBestPracticesinOnl/157354 Retrieved June 20, 2011 • Boettcher, J. V. (May 2011) Ten Best Practices for Teaching Online http://www.designingforlearning.info/services/writing/ecoach/tenbest.html Retrieved June 20, 2011. • Wolfe, Cindy (December 17, 2009) 10 Ways to Ensure Distance Learning Success http://www.elearnmag.org/subpage.cfm?section=best_practices&article=62-1 Retrieved June 20, 2011. • Cherry Creek School District: Online Learning http://www.ccsd.k12.co.us/onlinelearning/ Retrieved June 20, 2011.