Robin Lang

SLM 521

February 24, 2005

E-Learning

The two sites I visited to review e-learning were class.com [http://www.class.com/] and the Florida Virtual School [http://www.flvs.net/]. I found that both sites offer interactive virtual learning. The class.com and Florida Virtual School provide similar online learning opportunities. They include online discussions, grading with a point system, pacing suggestions for lessons, and guidance from teachers. Both sites stress that they are interactive, and teacher directed. The Florida Virtual School also includes a student contract, tips on “netiquette,” and gives students tips on planning their time.

In viewing the MSDE rubric to rate these e-learning opportunities, I feel that both sites meet the academic requirements for an online course. I viewed Social Studies lessons on American History. At class.com the lesson was presented in colorful, textbook format where the student is expected to read a passage and answer questions. The text was small, though, much like a textbook. There are links on the page to other maps and resources that are related to the topic. The questions involved higher-order thinking skills. The site also lists hardware and software requirements, explanations of how it is helpful for at-risk students or students who want to use it to supplement their regular school curriculum. The site also says it provides professional development for its teachers and meets standards to ensure adequate yearly progress.

The Florida Virtual School gives an extensive, visual layout of its program. It provides AP and Honors courses, and most of the regular high school guidance offerings, such as assistance with college entrance and student clubs. It seemed to be like a regular high school, except online. The lessons were easy to read, with large text and visuals. There were links to related websites. The assignments were very creative and interesting, although the passages were brief.

Overall, both sites would rate well on the MSDE rubric. I thought they could both use some improvement in different areas. For example, the class.com lesson could be more visually eye-catching. The Florida Virtual School could include some higher-order thinking questions, in addition to its creative assignments.