Emerging TechnologiesEmerging TechnologiesOnline Learning in K-12 SchoolsOnline Learning in K-12 Schools

By: Farena J. BradleyBy: Farena J. Bradley

Walden UniversityWalden University

Dr. Rachel BordelonDr. Rachel Bordelon

EDUC 6715: New and Emerging TechnologiesEDUC 6715: New and Emerging Technologies

March 25, 2010March 25, 2010

New and Emerging Technologies

“The use of technology in teaching and learning is

transforming instructional practices in 21st century

schools. But one reality of technology is that is also

transforming and at a much faster pace than most

schools can keep pace with. Old technologies are

rapidly phased out; while new technologies emerge

and take hold.”- www.waldenu.edu

“Students of all ages are often experienced at using

technology outside of the classroom. However, the

use of technology inside the classroom has not achieved

its full potential in preparing them to live,

work, and learn in the 21st century.”

- www.waldenu.edu

Online Learning in K-12 Schools

• Online public schools, also known as “virtual schools” or “e-Schools,” are among one of the fastest growing fields in education. Lawmakers and education officials at all levels are rapidly embracing public online education to meet increasing demand from students, teachers, and parents.

- www.k12.com

Types of Virtual Schools andLearning Management Systems

• http://moodle.org

• http://www.rcampus.com

• http://www.k12.com

• http://www.ConnectionsAcademy.com

oodle

• “Moodle is a Course Management System (CMS), also known as a Learning Management System (LMS) or a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It is a Free web application that educators can use to create effective online learning sites. It gives educators the best tools to manage and promote learning,” (www.moodle.org).

• With Moodle, teachers have the ability to have the following activities online:– Assignments– Blog– Chat– Database– Forums– Glossaries– Lessons– Surveys– Quizzes– Wikis– Workshops

The Moodle Community

Moodle Demo Page Moodle Features

RCampus

• RCampus is a comprehensive Education Management System and a collaborative learning environment.

• RCampus is everything students and faculty need to do their work. It's where academic people: – build ePortfolios, – setup community websites for

clubs and groups, – build and join classes, – exchange books, – find classes around the world, – find tutors and post tutoring

availabilities, – find internship positions, – connect with each other, – and much more.

- http://www.rcampus.com

• K¹² is the leader in online learning for grades K through 12 for these fundamental reasons: – They develop their own curriculum, widely regarded as

the highest quality available online– Are devoted to fulfilling the promise of education for

every child.– 1:1 approach to education, which is individualized for

each student.  

- http://www.k12.com

• An accredited online public school for students in grades K–12 throughout South Carolina. It includes:

– First-class curriculum combining top textbooks from leading publishers and online lessons

– State-certified teachers dedicated to helping each student thrive

– State-of-the-art technology and easy to use Learning Management System

– Community connections, including field trips, clubs and activities

- http://www.connectionsacademy.com

Filling The Instructional Gap

• Virtual schools and online modules such as moodle, rcampus, etc. provides students with– A high quality, technology-rich educational experience. – Ability to develop critical thinking skills– Ability to build global awareness– Ability to gain 21st century skills.– 24/7/365 access

• The curriculum is delivered via the Internet, and teachers employ innovative instructional practices to offer an individualized learning experience for students.

-Young, Birtolo, & McElman, 2009

Supporting Authentic Student Learning

• “Authentic learning typically focuses on real-world, complex problems and their solutions, using role-playing exercises, problem-based activities, case studies, and participation in virtual communities of practice,” (Lombardi, 2007).

• “In today’s society, students are eager to learn in the context of real-world issues. Research states that authentic learning increases their engagement and the depth of their learning,” (Lemke & Coughlin, 2009)

Achievement of Increased Learning

• “Online learning strengthens 21st century skills and gives students the opportunities to demonstrate mastery of academic concepts,” (Young, Birtolo, & McElman, 2009)

• To increase learning, the

following must take place:– The student work must have

meaning or value that transcends the student-teacher relationship.

– The work must embody serious, in-depth learning in the subject area.

– The student must use what he or she learns to produce something.

– Lemke & Coughlin, 2009

Potential Resistance

Pros to Online Learning• Flexible, self-paced learning • The chance for young

students to advance technology skills

• Individualized lessons that match a student's unique learning style

• Resources for parents to use to become more engaged in their child's education

Cons to Online Learning• Students who have trouble

with time management and procrastination.

• Technology requirements• Access to a computer and

Internet• Interaction between student

and teacher contributions to learning.

• No face-to-face, in-person dialogue.

- http://www.allonlineschools.com

Conclusion

“Learning by doing is generally considered the most effective way to learn. The Internet and a

variety of emerging communication, visualization, and simulation technologies now

make it possible to offer students authentic learning experiences,” that will increase 21st

century skills as well as help develop self-directed, life long learners.

- Lombaridi, 2007

References1. All Online Schools. (2010). Retrieved March 24, 2010 from

www.allonlineschools.com 2. Rcampus. A Collaborative Learning Community. (2010). Retrieved March 24,

2010 from http://www.rcampus.com 3. Moodle. Open source community based tools for learning. (2010). Retrieved

March 24, 2010 from http://www.moodle.com 4. K12. Online public, private, and elementary school. (2010). Retrieved March 24,

2010 from http://www.k12.com 5. Connections Academy. (2010). Retrieved March 24, 2010 from

http://www.connectionsacademy.com/home.aspx 6. Lemke, C., & Coughlin, E. (2009). The change agents. Educational Leadership,

67(1), 54–59. 7. Young, J., Birtolo, P., & McElman, R. (2009). Virtual success: Transforming

education through online learning. Learning & Leading with Technology, 36(5), 12-17.

8. Lombardi, M. (2007) Authentic Learning for the 21st Century. Retrieved March 24, 2010 from http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI3009.pdf

9. Walden University. Course Home Page. New and Emerging Technologies. Retrieved February 25, 2010 from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com.

Thank You!