Resource Sharing Activity #5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AE_WMtphQTI

Polk County Public Schools: A K-12 e-learning success story using BlackBoard.

The Polk County Public School district has implemented Blackboard for professional development activities for their staff and as a technology tool to support learning in the classroom.  Teachers in the video spoke very positively about participating in professional development activities using Blackboard.  It has created a comfort level and acceptance towards participating in future online courses.  Students also preferred using the technology to create projects and complete assignments as opposed to using pencil and paper.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQatwcvTr70&feature=PlayList&p=9DBB6FF1F9B23A81&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=10

Different online learning models being used at K-12 schools.

An excellent video about different online learning models implemented at K-12 schools throughout the country and their success.  The type of school and the needs of the students play a large role in the selection of the appropriate online learning model.  Teachers discuss the success with improvement in IEP scores, the use of advance placement courses for college bound students, student athletes, foreign language learners, and makeup courses for students at risk of not graduating.  One model that was introduced involved students participating in face to face meetings two to three days a week and the remainder of the time online.  This allowed teachers more time to address student concerns with parents, monitor and participate with students online, participate in professional development, increased lesson planning time, and grade student work.  As a family online learning allows the student and parent to learn as a family.