Spotlight on Emerging Technology:

Online Learning in K–12 Schools

Brianna Hartman

While online learning is not a new application of technology, its use in K-12

schools is emergent! Try a free Course Management System (CMS) or

Learning Management System (LMS)Moodlehttp://docs.moodle.org/26/en/About_MoodleRCampushttps://www.rcampus.com/

Free for K-12 students and teachers

Members can manage course assignments,collaborate with classmates, and connectwith teachers

Administrative tools available

Online learning can be a powerful way to fill educational

gaps!Students continue to learn outside of

the four walls of the classroomParents can become more involved in

their child’s learning and education“Builds teamwork skills, problem-

solving abilities, creativity, decision-making proficiency, and higher-order thinking skills”(Cavanaugh, C. & Clark, T., 2007)

All types of student learners benefit from Online learning!

Gifted Students Advanced Placement

Homebound Students At Risk Students

Dropout Students Students Outside Their Native

Country

Course Management Systems Can Allow Students to…

Access Lessons Gather Absent Work Review Practice Participate in

Laboratory Experiments

Use Manipulatives Chat and have

Discussions with Classmates & Teachers

Access documents 24/7

Course Management Systems Can Allow Teachers to…

Decrease the amount of paper assignments; students use a drop box to submit assignments where teachers can assess and return to students

Create academic outlines for individual classes Connect with students and other educators to

create discussions, conference, and build support Post assignments and files for download

Online Learning Factors that Contribute to Student Success:

Study-skill Development Offers Concrete Deadlines with Flexibility Offers Collaboration

student-to-studentstudent-to-teacher

Connects to Different Learning Styles

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQYW6vYSGXs

Online Learning Modules Support Meaningful, Authentic Student

Learning “Strong academic skills, motivation, discipline, and course structure compatible with one’s learning style are conductive to success in K-12 online learning” (Cavanaugh, C. & Clark, T., 2007)

Students have an alternative method where learning can occur any time, any place, in any path, and at any pace(Young, J., Birtolo, P., & McElman, R., 2009)

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

Teacher Fears of Online Learning

Fear Expensive

Different than 20th century learning

Truth There are FREE LMS such as moodle or RCampus

at no costs to schools

Online learning lets students demonstrate mastery of academic concepts while using today’s tools and resources

Teacher Fears of Online Learning

Fear Time Consuming

Truth Teachers have flexibility to create courses that

compliment their individual teaching styles and meet their student’s individual learning needs

A full year syllabus can be created and entered, guaranteed to cover all required content standards

Why Should Our School Adopt Online Learning Modules?

“As educators, if we want to create a dynamic learning environment to serve future students, we must listen to what students are saying about what excites and motivates them. We must start by changing our approach to how we deliver education and instruction. We must nurture students and give them opportunities to explore, learn, and create”(Young, J., Birtolo, P., & McElman, R., 2009)

ReferencesCavanaugh, C., & Clark, T. (2007). The landscape of K–12

online learning. In R. Blomeyer, & C. Cavanaugh (Eds.), What works in K–12 online learning (pp. 5–19). Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education. Retrieved from the Walden University Library using the Education Research Complete database.

Lemke, C., & Coughlin, E. (2009). The change agents. Educational Leadership, 67(1), 54–59.

Young, J., Birtolo, P., & McElman, R. (2009). Virtual success: Transforming education through online learning. Learning & Leading With Technology, 36(5), 12–17. Retrieved from the Walden University Library using the Education Research Complete database.