SubComm+Group+Example

**XXX**
 * Names of Subcommittee Members Submitting this Report on Online Learning:**

**A. Explanation of the Technology:**

Online learning is a type of distance education in which instruction and content are delivered through the Internet. Although this learning may be supplemented by face-to-face meetings and supervision, teachers and students communicate primarily online. Educators have referred to this method of teaching and learning as blended learning. This emerging technology has become a viable learning approach for K-12 as the emphasis has shifted to more personalized attention and connections between teachers and students as well as teachers and parents to provide the tools students need to reach their goals.

**B. Pros and Cons of Implementation:**

**Pros** Your class could take place wherever and whenever it is a convenient time for learning.

Lectures can be viewed or paused to fit into your timeline or schedule.

K-12 students receive individual attention; parent-supported online learning; easy to use technology, and opportunities for socialization by sharing online or participating in field trips to vary teaching and learning.

There is a level playing field in that learners have a certain measure of anonymity. Discriminating factors such as age, dress, physical appearance, disabilities, race and gender are largely absent. Instead, the focus of attention is clearly on the content of the discussion and the individual's ability to respond and contribute thoughtfully and intelligently to the material at hand.

Advances such as online learning environments and adaptive learning technologies make it possible to support a learner’s individual learning path.

Online Learning can complement face-to-face instruction in blended learning approaches — or stand on its own.

**Cons** Some people find it difficult to learn at home and lack motivation for Online Learning.

Students need to have a working knowledge of computers and access to necessary software.

User-friendly and reliable technology is critical to a successful online program. However, even the most sophisticated technology is not 100% reliable.

Online learning may be an inappropriate learning environment for the more dependent learner. It takes a high degree of time management skills in order to keep up with the pace of the course. For these reasons, online education may not be appropriate for all K-12 students.

**C. Anticipated Uses, Implementation, and Potential Impact on Student Achievement:**

**Implementation:**

Online learning through virtual schools is broadening the learning experiences of K-12 students offering more curriculum choices ensuring a more relevant and personalized education. The virtual schools began to emerge in the 1990s as schools that offer courses to supplement local school curricula. Students do not graduate from these state-led or private schools. However, the trend has led us to the virtual charter school which provides full-time online learning opportunities. For example, Connections Academy schools are tuition-free, fully accredited online public schools for students in grades K–12.

Teachers are highly trained and certified. When a student enrolls in multiple classes, teachers share best practices and coordinate efforts to meet the student’s needs. Feedback is vital: the student-teacher interaction includes discussion as well as instruction. Students can ask questions, answer questions, participate in group talks online. For this reason, teachers must have an ongoing understanding of changing technologies, be comfortable with the system adopted by the institution and be able to troubleshoot for students. Additionally, teachers modify lessons or approaches, provide meaningful ways to practice skills, and offer helpful resources.

Elementary students are introduced to the basics—reading, writing, and mathematics. Science, social studies, technology, art, music, physical fitness and even world languages provide a well-rounded core curriculum. Most curriculum content is in print supplemented with online content. There is a gradual advance to more online content. Hands-on instructional resources include virtual tools, kits and workbooks. Students conduct home experiments. The focus is not just teacher-student engagement but parent-student engagement as well.

Online learning is coupled with face-to-face events. School field trips are excellent opportunities to meet other parents, students and teachers. They also provide an opportunity to round out the virtual school experience in real-world ways. Through them, students learn life lessons that build upon their course lessons while making meaningful connections with their peers. Excursions to museums, historic sites, colleges and universities, college fairs, and even businesses for middle and high school students to explore and prepare for the future are included in the curricula. And picnics, roller skating and other fun outings provide the socialization students need in any school setting.

**Anticipated Uses:**

Students may choose online learning because they wish to avoid bullying in schools, because they are struggling in certain subjects, because their families rely on them to work, because they have children of their own, or because they want to challenge themselves. Students needing a more differentiated program of study have more course options and one-on-one opportunities to increase their reading, math and writing skills. Students on medical leave or maternity leave may continue their studies without significant interruption. Students may take AP online courses to enhance learning and ready themselves for colleges and universities.

**Implications for students:**

Students are presented with more options for learning:
 * A university-based online college preparatory program may be provided for one or several students in lieu of class instruction. Consequently, more subjects may be offered to more participants.
 * Virtual schools can design career courses offering simulated experiences such as oceanography research sparking student engagement and responding to student interests.
 * A partnership between a traditional high school and a virtual high school allows an alternative to potential drop-outs and an increase in that school's graduation rate.

“In schools supported by Connections Academy, each student receives individualized instruction, including lessons tailored to that student’s academic strengths and weaknesses. Teachers and counselors are then able to develop focused, customized approaches that work for the student along with the curriculum—all year long.”

For younger students, Online Learning can be accessed through websites that offer free tutorial training in math (Khan Academy) and/or reading skills (ABCya.com) which could be a supplement to classroom teaching and/or students may use independently at home.

**D. Content Area Exemplar**

Students who need remedial English courses in order to be accepted into English 101 may take online courses to bolster skills and competencies. Traditionally, these students were scheduled to take remedial courses during the summer and 1st semester of college.

**E. Supporting Internet Links** Links for further review: [] [] [] [|http://www.ala.org/onlinelearning/] []