This document summarizes online learning in K-12 schools. It discusses how learning management systems can provide collaborative learning opportunities through file sharing, online communication tools, and linking to online content. These systems also allow for online polls, assignments, quizzes and the creation of student portfolios. While some teachers may be apprehensive about the change, online learning prepares students for a digital world and promotes self-directed learning through unlimited access to class resources.

1. Spotlight on Emerging Technology:
Online Learning in K-12 Schools
Patrick Zedrow
Walden University
EDUC-6715I-1: New and Emerging Technologies

2. An online instructional tool that focuses on…
• Specific student needs
• Collaborative learning
• Easily accessible sharing of knowledge
• Consistent institutional values
(Garrison, 2003, p. 111)

3. Several of these
learning management
systems can accessed
for free online, while
others may require a
subscribed
membership

5. File Sharing: students and
teachers can upload
multiple types of files to
each other for review.
Online Communication:
wikis, blogs, e-mail, and
announcements allow
users to openly share
ideas and communicate

6. Sharing Links: websites
can be shared and clicked
instantly in order to view
content.
Online polls,
assignments, and quizzes:
students can provide
input and view results
immediately afterward.

7. Most learning management
systems have other options
Creating Portfolios
such as…
Connecting with
other users Calendars

8. Still feeling on the fence? Consider this…
To offer meaningful learning opportunities for students, the
instructor of a learning management system must seek inventive
teaching methods to deliver the course subject matter.
Besides providing the instruction, educators of online learning
systems have the responsibility to enhance the utilization of
technology within the class while collaborating with learners.
(Young, 2004)

9. I’m just not sure
` about this...
I lack the web/computer knowledge.
Students may not have internet access at home.
This is more stuff to keep track of!
I fear change!
(Johnston, 2007, p. 21)

10. Rebuttal of Potential
Apprehension from educators
Refusing to include online learning or a learning
management system in your class?
Here are the facts…
• As each year passes, incoming students are even more digitally
competent than those from the year before.
• Students are influenced by the direction that technology is taking.
• Teachers must stay on the cutting edge in order to meet the digital
needs of our students and provide choices in their learning.
(Johnston, 2007, p. 30)

11. Promotes Self- Corresponding to the
Directed and Technology Factor in
Independent Thinking Our Society
More Frequent
Participation
Unlimited Access
Anticipates
to Class
Student
Resources
Accountability

12. References
Garrison, D. R. and Anderson, T.. (2003). E-Learning in the 21stCentury: A
Framework for Research and Practice. London: Routledge/Falmer, 2003.
Johnston, S. (2007). Developing Quality Virtual Courses: Selecting Instructional
Models. In P. Adamson, B. Adamson, & N. Clausen-Grace, et al (Eds.),What
Works in K-12 Online Learning (Chapter 2, pp. 21-31). Eugene, OR:
International Society for Technology in Education.
Young, S . S .-C. (2004). In search of online pedagogical models: investigating a
paradigm change in teaching through the School for All community. Journal
of Computer Assisted Learning 20 (2):133-151.