Alexandria, Va. – July 7 – Online courses and virtual schools are shifting educational leaders’ focus from the traditional three Rs to a system that builds skills in the three Cs: content, collaboration and community, according to the cover story of the July issue of American School Board Journal.
In addition, the Journal offers school board members and administrators a sample online education policy and advice on evaluating the potential success for online learning in “High School on the Web: What You Need to Know About Offering Online Courses,” by Liz Pape.
“Online education helps school administrators find the balance between the optimal learning environment offered by small high schools and the rich and varied course offerings, often found only in larger schools,” writes Pape.
The Journal article examines the “Magnificent Seven,” criteria developed by the National Education Association to help school districts determine the potential value of online education:
- Curriculum
- Instructional design
- Teacher quality
- Student roles
- Assessment
- Management and support systems, and
- Technological infrastructure
Support systems for bricks-and-mortar schools, such as registration and grading, for example, are the same for virtual schools but additional support, such as a 24/7 help line is crucial. For online learning, teachers’ roles shift from teaching students what to learn to teaching them how to learn.
Each of the seven areas must be part of the overall strategy to develop a successful virtual high school, according to the Journal. Two examples of successful programs are detailed as well: the Metropolitan Learning Center in Connecticut and the Hinsdale Middle/High School in New Hampshire.
The article points out that since virtual schools are still relatively new, data is just beginning to be collected on its impact on student achievement. But the author notes that students and teachers say they are excited about the opportunities.
“Learning based on rigor, relevance, and relationships for all students is possible, and online education is one tool for school boards and administrators to use,” Pape writes.
The sample online education policy, according to the Journal, can be adapted by school board members to meet local school district needs.
“Through online collaboration and virtual classroom experiences, students can build relationships with students and teachers globally, learning not only curriculum and content, but also collaborative and global citizenry skills,” writes Pape. “It’s a good match for tomorrow’s learner – today.”
The article, “High School on the Web: What You Need to Know About Offering Online Courses,” can be found on the American School Board Journal Web site at http://www.asbj.com/ .
Founded in 1891, the American School Board Journal is an award-winning, editorially independent education magazine published monthly by the National School Boards Association.
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