Upload
others
View
3
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
e-Learning for KidsImplementation Best Practices
2
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
4
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
5
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
6
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
8
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”
!
9
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
10
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”
!
11
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
13
Setting up the Computing Environment
Implementation Challenge
“Our computers broke down and our people weren’t
prepared to support technology.”
!
14
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
15
Setting up the Computing Environment
Implementation Challenge
“Kids with computers will constantly change settings, do
things they shouldn’t, and download viruses”
!
16
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
18
Using EFK in the Classroom
Implementation Challenge
“What is the best way to include EFK courses in my
lesson planning?”
!
19
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
20
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.”
!
21
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
23
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”
!
24
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
25
Recurring Activities
Implementation Challenge
“We aren’t sure how to track the benefit to our students
and teachers of digital learning”
!
26
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
28
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 [email protected] or consult the links below
29
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/