Synchronous Technologies to Support Students in Web-Based Courses

WebCT in Lakeshore General information about Lakeshore: 1200 – 1300 students 8 schools (4 high schools) and 2 colonies 100 teachers Large geographical area ~ approx the size of PEI Lakeshore School Board is committed to investing in technology to support e-learning

WebCT in Lakeshore Information about Lakeshores e-learning campus: Involved with WebCT for 7 years Students are enrolled in 10 courses this year 15-20% of high school students are taking an online course this year Lakeshore is involved in a pilot project where ½ of seats are shared with divisions across the province

WebCT in Lakeshore What do our students need to make WebCT better? 1. More support and interaction with teacher. 2. Better communication. 3. Increased ease of use for higher level courses. Ex. Physics What has resulted because of this? 1. Lower drop-out rates. 2. Higher pass rates. 3. Increased overall achievement. Programs and tools used. 1. Microsoft Office Communicator 2. IOGEAR Mobile Digital Scribe

WebCT in Lakeshore Communication Between teacher and student Microsoft Office Communicator: - Chat - Voice - Video - Application Sharing Alternatives: - Skype - MSN Messenger - Go My PC - Elluminate Video – Physics 30s

WebCT in Lakeshore Ease of use for staff and students - Used in courses such as Math, Physics, and Chemistry - No more faxes! - All assessments are digital - Allows for increased assessment feedback - Can be used as a Tablet/Slate - Very positive feedback from students and teachers Examples of student work: Example 1Example 2Example 1Example 2

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