Online LearningExpanding our Resources to Students

By Kristy Baker

Technology is an ever changing part of our students’ futures

Students are already learning digitally Smart phones Video games Online gaming (Internet, X-Box Live, etc.)

We already have a way to create online learning environments

Current State of Affairs

Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment

We’ve been using it for communication for over six years

We need to take advantage of the full purpose of the site

Moodle

The Cluster Connection

Our very own Cluster Connection, and Family Connection sites are built on Moodle.

Instead of just using this tool for collaborating with colleagues and communicating with parents, we can now open the doors to online learning for students.

1. Students can supplement their school day with extra information.

2. Students learn in 3 distinct styles: auditory, visual, and kinesthetic. Online learning can combine all three learning styles for success.

3. Cost of materials. 4. Can be accessed from almost anywhere

Reasons for Online Learning Opportunities

Website can crash Students may have too much screen time It takes too much time Students may not have access Too many distractions at home

Reasons Against Online Learning

Website can crash True, but with certain precautions in place this

shouldn’t be an issue. Students may have too much screen time

Students are getting a lot of screen time as it is, this would just be making a way for that screen time to be productive and educational.

Getting around the skeptics

It takes too much time Once set up an online learning community has

just as much of a time need as grading in-class work.

Students may not have access Access does not have to take place at home.

Students can use the public library or any place that has Internet capabilities.

Too many distractions at home This cannot always be avoided but can be

taken into account when differentiating for specific students. They can also look at gaining access from another place.

…

Students who need more than auditory or visual learning can thrive with the kinesthetic nature of online learning.

Students who are in need of extra help (ESL students, students at Beginning Steps) can use this as a way to improve their skills.

Response to Intervention (RTI) needs can be addressed across grade levels by student need.

Instructional Gaps

Students who need accelerated learning opportunities can work at their own speed thus reducing boredom.

Students who learn through digital interaction can thrive with an alternative learning environment.

Students who need more time for learning activities can work at their own speed.

Supporting Learning

To help students learn independently and at their own speed

To allow students access to other ways of learning

To give students the opportunity to learn while also gaining 21st century skills

To give struggling students extra opportunities for success

Why do all this?

About Moodle. (n.d.). MoodleDocs. Retrieved from http://docs.moodle.org/23/en/About_Moodle

MHS cluster connection. (n.d.). Social Forum. Retrieved from http://mhscluster.aps.edu/mod/forum/view.php?f=27

Resources