Journal 1 e-Learning programs come in all shapes and sizes - NETS-T V

Coyle, S., Jones, T., & Pickle, S.K. (2009). e-Learning programs come in all shapes and sizes. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(2). Retrieved on September 15, 2009 from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/SeptemberOctoberNo2/e_Learning_Programs_Come_in_All_Shapes_a.htm

The e-Learning programs article describes the motivation for developing three innovative online learning programs in three very different settings. All three programs were developed in response to specific student learning needs.

Alaska's Yukon-Koyukuk School District (YKSD) developed a program in response to a need for "highly qualified" teachers under the No Child Left Behind Act. Because students in remote interior regions of YKSD were technologically proficient, direct virtual instruction, including videoconferencing, became the learning delivery system of choice. A one-to-one laptop program also provided online learning to independent learners. The YKSD currently delivers a continuous standards-based curriculum to all students, including online learning of the ancient native culture of the region.

In the sprawling urban school district of Baltimore, Maryland, the Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) developed an online learning program to expand course offerings and provide more equitable learning opportunities to inner city students. Advanced placement and high level math and science courses were offered to students who might otherwise not have had access to these courses. As part of the online learning experience, students become conversant with 21st-century technologies, and they become proficient with online communications, such as email, discussion forums, Internet research, and virtual classrooms. Face-to-face support is provided by an onsite mentor teacher assigned to each student. One goal of online learning is to encourage students to become lifelong learners. To sample the user-friendly system that BCPS developed, visit their website at www.bcps.org/students/online_learning.

The Arkansas State Department of Education developed a Distance Learning Center to assist schools statewide in providing more flexible scheduling for students with teachers who meet the "highly qualified" requirements set by NCLB. All state-required units, with the exception of music and PE, are offered in an online learning format. In support of the virtual online classroom instruction, learning modules were created to further assist those students who needed extra support in a particular course content area. Teachers travel to meet face-to-face with students at venues that provide "real life experiences" in the course content area. With a 95% pass rate, the program has successfully helped more students graduate, taking advanced and specialized courses, and has helped provide students with the technological acumen they require to compete in the 21st century.

What type of student benefits from online learning?
Students targeted for online learning in both the Alaskan and Maryland schools were all highly motivated, independent learners who would otherwise not have had access to advanced placement and specialized course instruction. While the Arkansas DOE seemed to target a broader profile of student, when Pickle outlined the successes of the program, including a 95% pass rate, she also referred to more equitable opportunities for students to complete their graduation requirements and to take advanced and specialized coursework. In all three of these programs, then, students were highly motivated, independent learners.

What long-term effects will online learning have on the teaching profession?
In all three instances of e-Learning, fewer teachers were required to provide access to online coursework for more students. Ostensibly, it would seem that this would result in downsizing teaching positions and opportunities, and I'm sure it has this outcome to some extent. However, onsite mentor teachers are needed to facilitate the online instruction programs, and to continue teaching those students for whom the online method of instruction may not be effective. In the end, technology is a tool for people to use. It's not going to disappear anytime soon, and as painful as it may be for some of us to manage, it is definitely a major part of our lives, our society and our teaching environment.

kms
9/15/2009