K12 Online Learning
By: Rajeeb Pradhan
What is online learning?
 Online learning is a form of
distance education, which is not
restricted by time or location.
 In online learning, “instruction
and content are delivered
primarily via the Internet”.
 Many K-12 online learning
programs in North American are
referred to as virtual schools.
Classroom vs. Online Learning
Classroom
 Pros:
 Provides interactive classroom
setting that promotes the open
exchange of ideas.
 Cons:
 passive learning dominates
 Little emphasis placed on different
learning styles and needs of
students
 Little emphasis placed on problem
solving, critical thinking, and
higher order learning skills
Online
 Pros:
 Learning not confined by time or
location
 Information can be easily shared by
teacher and student alike
 Cons:
 Due to changing technology,
accessing specific learning
environments might be a problem
 Due to the newness of online
learning, effective teaching
methods may be questionable
Advantages of Online Learning
 Course work can be scheduled around personal and professional
schedule.
 Course materials can be accessed at anytime or from any place with a
computer and internet accessed, thus reducing travel time and cost.
 Self-paced learning allows students to work at their own pace.
 Students can join discussion groups or interact wit the instructor and or
classmates remotely in “chat rooms.”
 Through independent, small group, and large group learning activities,
different learning styles are utilized to facilitate learning.
 Develops computer and internet skill, which can be further utilized
Disadvantages of Online Learning
 It might be difficult for students with poor study habits and/or are
unmotivated.
 It might take time to get use to the lack of structure and or routine
(self-paced).
 It might be isolating due to lack of face-to-face interaction and/or
unavailability of the instructor on demand.
 It might cause frustration for students with slow or unreliable internet
connections.
 It might involve a learning curve due to the learning software being
used.
 It might be difficult to simulate the traditional hands-on courses.
Best Practices for K12 Online Learning.
 The principles and standards for
best practices are similar to a
classroom settings “based on the
mutual emphasis placed on
content area expertise,
communication skills, and
instructional design.”

Set clear learning goals and path

Use diverse modes of learning to
meet student learning style and
needs

Provide adequate time for
practice and opportunities to
master skills
Best Practices Continued

Provide prompt and constructive
feedback

Provide “an optimal balance of
challenge and support that is
tailored to the individual students'
readiness and potential.”

Provide a place for students post
active and critical discussion

Provide questions that relate to
students’ interests

Provide an effective learning
experience

Provide a learning environment
that supports and encourages
inquiry
Best Practices Continued
 Focus on the program. This goes
beyond just posting the syllabus or
course notes. You have to create a
more effective learning experience.
 For a successful implementation,
various factors need to be
considered.

Support resources for the program

Project plan (timeline)

Prioritizing programs (high impact)

Program design/redesign committee

Well developed pedagogy
(uniqueness)

Set guidelines to measure success
Best Practices Continued

Faculty Support & Student Services:
Success and quality of an online
learning program is dependent on the
faculty that teaches the course and the
students it serves.



“Provide faculty with support in
online technology and pedagogy so
that they can focus on using the tools
to enhance their interactivity with
students.”
“Provide one-on-one instructionaldesign consultations along with staffdevelopment classes that require
faculty to experience online courses
from the student perspective and to
develop their own online courses.”
“Course materials must be available
and easy to use, and students must
have someone to call when they need
technical help.”
Best Practices Continued
 Goals & Measurement:

Have a measurable
guideline set for quality
and growth of the
program.
 Have set objectives to
determine progress.
Best Practices for Teaching Online

Be present at the course site.

Create a supportive online course community.

Set and share clear guidelines and expectations for the
course.

Use a variety of work experiences: individual, small group,
and large group.

Ask for feedback and suggestions early in the program.

Prepare Discussion Posts that Invite Questions, Discussions,
Reflections and Responses.

Focus on content resources and applications and links to
current events and examples that are easily accessed from
learner's computers.

Combine core concept learning with customized and
personalized learning .

Plan a good closing and wrap activity for the course.
Best Practices for Student Success in K12
Online Learning

Read the syllabus and use it as a road map

Complete all assignments and turn them in on time

Carefully follow the online resources on a weekly basis

In every class session, assignment, and reading, find one
new idea

Support and encourage classmates

Contribute to the discussion

Use your own experience in the discussion

Stay organized

Never procrastinate

Set long-term goals
CCSD Online Learning Environment:
Programs
 Programs and Classes:





American Government
Biology College Algebra
College Trigonometry
College Prep Reading and
Writing
Core Composition I






Core Composition II
Geography
Geology
Health
Personal Fitness I and II
United States History
CCSD Online Learning Environment:
Structure
 Designed to meet graduation requirements.
 Classes follow a traditional school calendar.
 Students can access the online course from any computer with
internet access and a course email address.
 Students may work at their own pace as long as the assignments
are posted by the specified due date.
 Students are expected to spend 5 – 8 hours a day on their course
work, but it may vary according to student choice/need.
 Online courses are free, but if the student wants a college credit
he/she must pay the amount necessary for the credit.
CCSD Online Learning Environment:
Requirements for Students

Must take responsibility for his/her learning

Must be a self directed and self-disciplined
learner

Must have internal motivation to manage
his/her own learning

Must be able to read and follow detailed
instructions

Must have a great command of written and
oral communication skills

Must have a basic grasp of navigating the
internet

Must have access to a computer with an
internet and email access.
CCSD Online Learning Environment:
Expectations for Teachers
 There are expectations for classroom teachers, but there
wasn’t any expectations outlined for online learning.
 Professional development also centers around classroom
teachers.
Sites to Visit
 http://www.k12.com/
 http://www.inacol.org/events/
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jU1WujyADk
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIu8e3I67HQ&feature=rel
ated
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0fJKvdjQgs&feature=re
lated
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crx7bfZzEjg
Bibliography

Center for Teaching and Learning, University of Maryland University College Best
Practices in Online Learning
www.umuc.edu/distance/odell/ctla/resources/bestpractices.pdf Retrieved June 20, 2011

Abel, Rob (Volume 28, November 3, 2005) Implementing Best Practices in Online Learning
http://www.educause.edu/EDUCAUSE+Quarterly/EDUCAUSEQuarterlyMagazineVolum/I
mplementingBestPracticesinOnl/157354 Retrieved June 20, 2011

Boettcher, J. V. (May 2011) Ten Best Practices for Teaching Online
http://www.designingforlearning.info/services/writing/ecoach/tenbest.html Retrieved
June 20, 2011.

Wolfe, Cindy (December 17, 2009) 10 Ways to Ensure Distance Learning Success
http://www.elearnmag.org/subpage.cfm?section=best_practices&article=62-1 Retrieved
June 20, 2011.

Cherry Creek School District: Online Learning http://www.ccsd.k12.co.us/onlinelearning/
Retrieved June 20, 2011.