e-Learning for Kids Implementation Best Practices · e-Learning for Life Sister site to EFK for...

e-Learning for KidsImplementation Best Practices

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Goal of this PresentationMake it easier for you to succeed with EFK

• Highlight common challenges faced by schools and organizations

implementing e-Learning for Kids (EFK)

• Convey best practices

• Point to resources which can help you

further including the detailed EFK

Implementation Guide available at

http://www.e-learningforkids.org/

Background on e-Learning for Kids

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Background on e-Learning for Kids

• e-Learning for Kids (EFK) is a

global, non-profit foundation

• Goal is to provide children with free,

high quality digital learning lessons

• Lessons are for children aged 5-12

• Since 2005, 15 million children

have used EFK lessons

• EFK collaborates with schools,

foundations, governments, and

NGOs to implement digital learning

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Background on e-Learning for Kids

• U.S. Dept. of Education studies: e-learning is highly effective

• Access free lessons and learn more at our site

http://www.e-learningforkids.org/

• Subjects covered: Math, Science, Language Arts, Health,

Environmental Skills, Computer Skills and Life Skills

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EFK lessons are easy to use, online and freeBut there can be implementation challenges

Setting up a learning lab

Engaging stakeholders

Few people with technology skills

Keeping PCs safe / secure

Need guidance on lesson planning

Lack of fast / reliable Internet

Environment tough on technology

Need help tracking benefits of EFK

Recurring

Activities

Planning for

Implementation

Setting up

Computing

Environment

Using EFK in the

Classroom

Common Challenges Section of this Guide

Planning for Implementation

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Planning for Implementation

Implementation Challenge

“The learning software is easy to get, but it can be difficult

to put together the other things needed: computers,

equipment, and a place to learn”

!

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Planning for ImplementationMinimum requirements for a “learning lab”

Create a safe, reliable and comfortable place for students to learn by

setting up required infrastructure and technology

Weatherproof structure

Air conditioning or ventilation

Reliable electricity

Furniture and lighting

Modern personal computers

(For online use) Local area network

(For online use) Internet connection

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Planning for Implementation

Implementation Challenge

“Some school administrators can be resistant to change.

If you don’t have them as partners, the effort won’t

succeed”

!

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Planning for ImplementationEngaging stakeholders in learning

Working with

administrators

• Carefully explain benefits of EFK

• Be mindful of local context and curriculum

• If working in schools, an engaged school

administrator is essential

Working with

teachers

• “Ideal” teacher: motivated, focused on

student success, open to technology

• Introduce EFK with the Guided Tour and

Effective Use of EFK web-lessons

• Let teachers explore / decide how to use

Working with

parents

• Kids’ enthusiasm for learning is the biggest

factor in parents embracing EFK

Setting up the Computing Environment

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Setting up the Computing Environment

Implementation Challenge

“Our computers broke down and our people weren’t

prepared to support technology.”

!

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Setting up the Computing EnvironmentPlan ahead for computer problems

Technical

Support

• Identify a hardware and software tech

support contact per location

• Communicate the issue-reporting process

• Provide IT training materials to support staff

Computer Setup • Setup new, refurbished, or donated PCs

that meet EFK technical requirements

• Show teachers how to use them

• (Optional) Install networking equipment and

verify the Internet connection is working

• (Optional) Setup a file and printer sharing

server

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Setting up the Computing Environment

Implementation Challenge

“Kids with computers will constantly change settings, do

things they shouldn’t, and download viruses”

!

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Setting up the Computing EnvironmentMake it safe and secure

Enable automatic operating

system updates

Update all third-party

applications

Install anti-virus and security

software such as Microsoft

EMET

Login with normal user (non-

administrator) accounts

Follow security best practices to protect the learning lab computers

from hackers and malware.

Using EFK in the Classroom

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Using EFK in the Classroom

Implementation Challenge

“What is the best way to include EFK courses in my

lesson planning?”

!

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Using EFK in the ClassroomIntegrate EFK with classroom lessons

• Teachers can map curriculum

lesson plans to the skills taught

in specific e-learning lessons

• E-Learning lessons can be:*

- Classroom activity

- Homework

- Extra credit

- After-school activity

- Challenge work for students

who are ahead

- Catch-up work for students

who need more help

* See the EFK Implementation Guide or Effective Use of EFK for more use cases

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Using EFK in the Classroom

Implementation Challenge

“Our schools don’t have fast or reliable Internet access to

use the e-Learning for Kids web site.”

!

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Using EFK in the ClassroomChoose how to access EFK courses

Use EFK online if:

Internet connection is reliable

Internet speeds are fast

Computers are up-to-date and

run supported software

Use EFK offline if:

EFK is pre-loaded onto the

computers

Computers are older or run

unsupported software

Internet is slow / not available

Recurring Activities

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Recurring Activities

Implementation Challenge

“Our computers were damaged by heat, humidity and

pests. The local power supply was unstable.

After a year, 90% of the PCs had failed”

!

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Recurring ActivitiesComputer repairs and updates

An IT professional should check all PCs deployed in your learning

lab annually, or every 3-6 months in harsh environments.

Clean hardware of dust and debris

Inspect hardware for damage; replace faulty components

Test local network equipment and Internet connection

Test EFK learning software for correct operation

Install missing software updates and video / audio drivers

Update virus scanning software and run a full system scan

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Recurring Activities

Implementation Challenge

“We aren’t sure how to track the benefit to our students

and teachers of digital learning”

!

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Recurring ActivitiesMeasuring progress

A method for measuring progress could include the following steps:

Assess student

mastery of

subjects

Reassess student

progress

Survey students

about EFK

Ask teachers for

improvement

ideas

Discuss with

parents

Prepare progress

report

Before EFK After EFK Annually

• Analyze progress

• Summarize feedback

• Recommend changes

Getting Help and Support

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Getting Help and Support

e-Learning for Kids http://www.e-learningforkids.org/

e-Learning for Life Sister site to EFK for learners aged 13+

http://www.e-learningforlife.org/

EFK Offline Access http://www.e-learningforkids.org/offline-access/

How to Use EFK FAQ http://www.e-learningforkids.org/how-to-use/

“Effective Use of EFK” course http://lessons.e-

learningforkids.org/efk/Courses/EN/Effective_Use/player.ht

ml

EFK Guided Tour http://lessons.e-

learningforkids.org/efk/Courses/EN/Implementation/Guided_

Tour/Guided_Tour.htm

“Safe Internet Usage” course http://e-

learningforlife.org/Courses/Safe%20Internet%20Usage%20

Parents/player.html

EFK Implementation Guide http://lessons.e-

learningforkids.org/efk/Courses/EN/Implementation/E

FK_Implementation_Guide.pdf

Contact info@e-learningforkids.org or consult the links below

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Closing Thoughts

• EFK digital lessons are easy to use,

online and free

• However, organizations can expect

some implementation challenges

• Planning ahead maximizes the

impact e-learning can make

• Consult the resources described

above, and please be in touch!

http://www.e-learningforkids.org/