E-Learning

Blackboard - http://www.blackboard.com/

Overview:

Blackboard Learning was established in 1997 as a company for E-education. Blackboard is web-based server software used for the implementation and management of online courses. This software is used by instructors and school districts for K-12 online courses and staff development. The component that is used by most educators is the Blackboard Learning Systems.

In evaluating Blackboard, I found that it meets the majority if not all the  requirements for online courses for K-12 participants. Students will need basic internet skills to navigate through their courses and a computer either in the classroom or at home with internet access. Blackboard doesn’t state what the system requirements are. Technical support is provided via phone and e-mail and there is also online training for instructors. Information on login and system requirements and setup must be given by the instructor prior to course start time. The beauty of this software is that it allows instructors the flexibility, to create and control the content that is delivered. The instructor sets up the curriculum content, assessments and designs how participants are to access information, respond and navigate through the course. This is especially helpful when a school district wants to make sure courses meet state standards for curriculum and assessment. In terms of teacher considerations, there shouldn’t be a problem since the instructor should be a certified teacher. Instructor implications: The instructor setting up course delivery will need to have basic and above average technology skills, or receive training on Blackboard course delivery. Student privacy is protected since students cannot participate without permission from a parent. Blackboard is also 508 compliant and can be tailored to meet the needs of individual students.

In conclusion, overall I think Blackboard is a very good E-learning tool because of the flexibility it offers.

 K2 -  http://www.k12.com/

 
Overview:

K-12 is an E- Learning program that was founded in 1999. The following courses are available through K-12: Language Arts, Math, Science, History, Art and Music. Students can enroll in the Virtual Academy or the K12 Homeschool.

Students must have basic computer skills to be successful in either program. Students who are enrolled in the Virtual Academy are supplied with the necessary technology and other materials, while Homeschool enrollees must supply their own technology, purchase courses and other materials. The materials supplied will vary depending on the school system. System requirements for each option are listed on the site. The course content and curriculum for each is developed from the Core Knowledge Foundation. The site also states that its teachers are qualified in the areas of child development, teaching techniques and learning styles. It however, doesn’t state whether a teacher is certified. School districts must review the site and to see if course content meet state standards. Parents should also review educational requirements for their state before enrolling in the Homeschool option. States currently using K12 are listed. Student privacy: when students register for a K-12 program through their local school district, personal information is collected by fax or phone. When using the site, the only personal information used is that given by the user. Students are given the option of choosing their own password, login and e-mail, this allows parents and school districts to track student progress and receive contact from the school.

Students follow through the curriculum at their own pace in the K-12 Homeschool option. Students with special needs are provided with materials; no specifics are given about what these materials are. Those enrolled in the Virtual Academy, are contacted by instructors several times a month, but instructors can be reached at anytime. There are also times where students in the Virtual Academy meet for school events and social outings. Homeschool participants depend primarily on parent involvement to supplement the program.  For both programs, 20-30% of the work is completed online and the other offline, as students get older more work is done online. In doing a sample lesson, students do some of the assignments online and others require a printout of the assignment to complete.

The differences between the Virtual Academy and K-12 Homeschool are: the fee, teacher assistance, state mandated standardized test, and though both are self-paced the Virtual Academy is more structured requiring a specific amount of hours to be completed weekly. Parents choosing the Homeschool options can pick and choose which courses they will use. The Virtual Academy and the Homeschool is designed for a 180 day school year. Parents can choose to withdraw from the Virtual Academy at any time.

In conclusion, the biggest flaw I see in K-12 is teacher input. The course content and design is already setup, it doesn’t allow the flexibility for individual instructors to design lessons. As far as meeting guidelines for online courses, it meets most but I feel it could be more specific in the areas of teacher requirements and meeting children with special needs.