Spotlight on Emerging Technology: Online Learning in K-12 Schools

Amy Glascock

Walden University

Dr. Derby

New and Emerging Technologies: EDUC 6715

July 21, 2010

Course Management System (CMS), Learning Management System (LMS),

or Online Learning

• A CMS is Internet-based software that manages student enrollment, tracks student performance, and creates and distributes course content.

• A CMS enables students to have a richer experience with the material they are learning.

-Rabinowitz & Ullman, 2004

How Online Learning Can Fill Instructional Gaps

• It engages students in the learning process.• It provides instruction at each student’s

instructional level.• It allows the teacher to monitor student progress

and provide ongoing feedback.• By including the Internet in classrooms, teachers

can assist students in becoming active participants in the construction of their own knowledge (Hargis & Schofield, 2007).

• It helps to develop 21st century skills.

How Online Learning Can Support Meaningful, Authentic Student

Learning• For the most part, technology has been

shown to help students acquire knowledge and skills or modify dispositions (Hargis & Schofield, 2007).

• Technology engages students in what they are learning.

• Technology provides students with options in how they can learn the content material.

• It increases student communication skills.

• It allows students to interact with their classmates in a setting that is outside the traditional classroom.

• It further develops 21st century skills.

• It encourages group collaboration and teamwork.

• It permits students to work at a pace that is comfortable for them.

How Online Learning Can Support Meaningful, Authentic Student

Learning

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Reasons Teachers Might Resist Online Learning

• Not enough background knowledge.

• Not wanting to give up the traditional structure of a classroom discussion or lecture.

• It looks too difficult to implement.• It will take too long to familiarize

students with this type of learning environment.

• Additional time preparing lessons and creating information to post on your CMS.

Image located at http://www.school-clip-art.com

Why Teachers Need Online Learning

• Professional development opportunities can be provided to obtain the knowledge needed to implement online learning.

• Students can continue participating in discussions, but on a computer where they can research topics and then post their responses, which promotes higher level thinking skills.

• It is easy to implement and many CMS software programs provide tutorials to “get started” and provide support.

Image located at: http://www.imageenvision.com/150/18958-teacher-teaching-her-students-a-computer-lesson-clipart-by-djart.jpg

Why Teachers Need Online Learning

• In two to three sessions with the computers, students will be acquainted with the use of the system itself (Hargis & Schofield, 2007).

• Once the information for your CMS is created, it is posted online and it stays there.

• The software helps teachers increase the efficiency of the administrative tasks of instruction (e.g., distribute documents, make assignments, give quizzes, initiate discussion boards, assign students to working groups, etc.) (Mott & Wiley, 2009).

Image located at: http://www.fotosearch.com/bthumb/FSB/FSB067/x14111592.jpg

Examples of Online Learning Sites for Elementary Students

• BrainPOP or BrainPOP, Jr.• iKnowthat.com• Who Wants to Be a

Millionaire?• Science Vocabulary

Hangman• Create a Graph• Zoom School• PrimaryGames.com

Image located at: http://www.brainpop.com

The Possibilities of Online Learning

We must use online learning to prepare students for what they will encounter in a technology-rich society.

Image located at: http://www.bes.haywood.k12.nc.us/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/clip_art_for_website.jpg

References

• Hargis, J., & Schofield, K. (2007). Integrating Online Learning into Elementary Classrooms. In P. Adamson, B. Adamson, & N. Clausen-Grace, et al (Eds.), What Works in K-12 Online Learning (pp. 33-47). Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.

• Mott, J., & Wiley, D. (2009, December). Open for learning: The cms and the open learning network. Technology & Social Media (Special Issue, Part 1),15(2). Retrieved July 22, 2010, from http://www.ineducation.ca/article/open-learning-cms-and-open-learning-network

• Rabinowitz, M., & Ullman, C. (2004, October 1). Course management systems and the reinvention of instruction. The Journal. Retrieved July 21, 2010, from http://thejournal.com/Articles/2004/10/01/Course-Management-Systems-and-the-Reinvention-of-Instruction.aspx?p=1