Carrie Derr

November 1, 2003

SLM 521

E-learning is becoming more common as schools work to provide instruction to meet each students’ needs. Some students simply need a learning environment in which they are able to complete their assignments in a fashion that is comfortable for them. For some, this means a slower or faster pace. For others, this may mean they have more individualized instruction in a home environment in which they feel more at ease. I have looked at two of these E-learning sites and evaluated them based upon the MD ruberic for evaluating online courses. Below is what I have found.

Apex Learning

This site provided some courses for high school students to complete for Advance Placement, General Studies and Foreign Languages. For each course a syllabus was provided, as well as an introduction describing what the students will be required to learn throughout the course. The U.S. History course met the requirements for TX, MA and CA, but not MD. It did not meet national standards. The length of the course was 2 semesters. The on-line teachers are able to write their own assignments, but not add content to the course, which is a requirement for MD. The computer specifications were listed and prerequisite technology skills were identified. Online diagnostic tests evaluated the students’ performance and provided feedback to both the teacher and the student. Individual performance reports helped the teacher to customize their teaching to meet individual students’ needs and to target re-teaching points. A summary report at the end of each test showed the student how they did. The site was difficult to navigate and did not have a class demo included. I am not sure if the coursework provides high-level thinking activities, as there weren’t any examples. The site did not state how often students and teachers would communicate or if the teacher would keep parents informed. It did not appear as though students would communicate with each other. Teachers have been trained for on-line courses and write their own lesson plans. Overall, this site was disappointing and I did not feel it would be suitable for students to use in the state of MD.

Class.com, Inc.

This site provided a variety of courses for high school students to complete for high school credit in preparation for college. Each course has a demonstration so that the student/parent may have an accurate look at what would be required of each student. A syllabus is not offered as students complete the course in a self-paced fashion. The only time restraint is that the course must be finished within 6 months. The courses meet national standards, as well as NCAA requirements. The site identifies the computer specifications needed to enroll in the class, as well as the technology skills each student needs to possess. Contact with teachers is strongly encouraged and the site provides several methods for this. Teachers remain in contact with students and parents, providing timely feedback on students’ progress. Students also remain in contact with each other through their responses and discussions on thoughts and opinions expressed by each other. The American Lit 1A course provides an introduction detailing what the expectations of each student will be, as well as the work they will complete. After each reading is finished, a quiz is given to assess comprehension. Each unit requires that a project be completed. Students are asked to compare/contrast works and evaluate them. Individual learners’ needs are met through a variety of teaching methods, one of which is to offer students the opportunity to either read each work, or listen to it audibly. The courses all provide glossaries, course guides, site maps, course assessments and email opportunities. Teachers have the ability to adapt their coursework to meet each students’ needs and teachers have been trained in on-line course teaching. Overall I believe the site accurately depicts the state of MD’s educational standards and I feel this site is a credible option for students seeking to try some on-line coursework.