Created By: Meghan KipilaWalden University: EDUC 6715January 2012

Is typically thought of as distance learning in the form of a course taught mostly on the Internet rather than in a traditional classroom (Hargis, J., & Schofield, K. 2007, pg. 34)

Students can collaborate with other students from various locations

Instruction involving computers and technology

It provides students with enriching and engaging opportunities that a traditional classroom can not offer

It can be integrated with the required curriculum

Students who require enrichment Home-schooled students Students with specific learning needs Classrooms who are lacking materials

to support instruction Students who need additional

motivation and/or stimulation

Strong academic skills, motivation, discipline, and course structure compatible with one’s learning style are conducive to success in K-12 online learning (Cavanaugh, C., & Clark, T. 2007, pg. 12)

In well-designed courses, virtual school students demonstrate improvement in problem solving, creative thinking, decision making, and time management (Cavanaugh, C., & Clark, T. 2007, pg. 13)

Can give students opportunities to demonstrate mastery of academic concepts while using today’s tools and resources (Young, J., Birtolo, P., & McElman, R., 2009, pg. 16).

To foster online learning, it essential to create a learning management system (LMS), such as www.haikulearning.com

Haiku provides a variety of collaborative activities:

Blogs WikiProjects Discussions/Comments

Teachers can keep online records of student work

Students can locate assignments and complete online assessments

Teachers can create drop boxes, so students can hand in their assignments in an organized manner

Student and parent feedback can be monitored through online polls

Time consuming to create, manage, and update an LMS for students

Can be difficult for someone who lacks a strong background in technology

Places a lot of responsibility on students

May not have rapport with students

Allows for work to be centrally located and organized

Constant collaboration with students/adults from various locations

Responsible for creating problem solvers and critical thinkers

Staying current with the latest trends in education

www.rcampus.com

www.edu20.org

www.moodle.org

Cavanaugh, C., & Clark, T. (2007). The landscape of K–12 online learning. In R. Blomeyer, & C. Cavanaugh (Eds.), What works in K–12 online learning (pp. 5–19). Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.

Gillard, S., & Bailey, D. (2007). Technology in the classroom: Overcoming obstacles, reaping rewards. The International Journal of Learning, 14(1), 87–93.

Hargis, J., & Schofield, K. (2007). Integrating online learning into elementary classrooms. In R. Blomeyer, & C. Cavanaugh (Eds.), What works in K–12 online learning (pp. 33–47). Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.

Young, J., Birtolo, P., & McElman, R. (2009). Virtual success: Transforming education through online learning. Learning & Leading With Technology, 36(5), 12–17.

**All articles were retrieved from the Walden University Library using the Education Research Complete database.