This document discusses how online learning can transform K-12 education. It notes that technology allows for more personalized, participatory, and authentic learning through access to updated information on the internet. Online learning can help meet individual student needs and support meaningful learning by facilitating discourse. While online learning requires resources and teacher training, it provides opportunities for self-paced and collaborative learning that engage students.

1. Spotlight on Emerging Technology: Online Learning in K-12 SchoolsChristine GriswoldWalden UniversityProfessor DerbyEDUC – 6715October 3 2010

2. Change “Technology is transforming the way students engage in the learning process” (Lemke, & Coughlin, 2009). These “change agents” (Lemke, & Coughlin, 2009) are altering learning through: Democratization of Knowledge Participatory Learning Authentic Learning Multimodal Learning

3. How can online learning options fill instructional gaps? Each student is different and therefore have different strengths and weaknesses. It is very difficult to meet those needs when teachers have up to thirty students in one room. Online learning can individualize for students individual needs.

4. How can online learning options support meaningful learning? Ability to link quickly and easily to internet Information online is more up to date than textbooks Quality and quantity of information far exceeds textbooks Students must participate vs. traditional classroom where students may or may not participate Ability to communicate with students and teacher at your fingertips Ability to develop discourse with students and teachers. more shy students may be less likely to communicate when a whole class verbal discussion

5. How can online learning options support authentic student learning? Topics when web based are more up to date. Topics when web based are more in touch with a student’s life For example CT Department of Education Science Standard 6.4 “Water moving across and through earth materials carries with it the products of human activities” (CSDE: Science) This unit is discussed in terms of Long Island Sound : “C11. Explain how human activity may impact water resources in Connecticut, such as ponds, rivers and the Long Island Sound ecosystem” (CSDE: Science). The Long Island Sound is the body of water that students in CT are most familiar with and therefore is most authentic for students.

6. Pros of online learning options “Many learning opportunities are offered in a self paced learning environment”(Olsen, Donaldson, & Hudson, 2010) “The online learning environment offers early childhood educators an opportunity to create a community where they can share ideas and exchange information(Donohue, Fox, & Torrence, 2007)” (Olsen, Donaldson, & Hudson, 2010) Online learning options meet the strengths and weaknesses of an individual learner. Online learning options are multimodal and therefore more likely to tap into a students learning style and or multiple intelligence.

7. Cons of online learning options Need internet access Requires teacher to be tech savy Requires teacher to create online learning environment Requires teacher to post assignments/ directions etc. online

8. Response to cons of online learning options

9. Works Cited Clip art. (2010). [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.pdclipart.org/index.php CSDE: Science, 2010, Retrieved from http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/pdf/curriculum/science/PK8_sciencecurriculumstandards2009.pdf . Lemke, C., & Coughlin, E. (2009). The change agents. Educational Leadership, 67(1), 54–59. Reproduced with permission of Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development in the format electronic usage via Copyright Clearance Center. Olsen, H., Donaldson, A., & Hudson, S. (2010). Online Professional Development: Choices for Early Childhood Educators. Dimensions of Early Childhood, 38(1), 12-18. Retrieved from ERIC database. Rcampus. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.rcampus.com/index.cfm?nocache=1286121662639