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) Try a free Course Management System (CMS) or Learning Management System (LMS) Moodle Moodle RCampus RCampus Free for K-12 students and teachers Members can manage course assignments, collaborate with classmates, and connect with 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 classroom Parents 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 StudentsAdvanced Placement Homebound Students At Risk Students Dropout Students Students Outside Their Native Country Benefits of Online Learning creates excitement about learning adds flexibility and increases accountability brings education theory to life

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-student student-to-teacher Connects to Different Learning Styles Xs

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 20 th 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)

References Cavanaugh, 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.