Module 2 Learning Materials

Introduction

Take some time to read and view the following resources.  I know that it looks like a lot but the first two articles are really short and you only need to read a few of the pages in the next two articles.  As you read remember to add your thoughts to your Popplet mind map. Clearly you will take more notes and/highlight more things in Mendeley than would fit on your Popplet.  Only include what you view as the most important findings. 

  

Organization Exploration 

There are a couple leading K-12 online learning organizations with whom you should become familiar. For now, I would like you to explore their websites, paying particular attention to their "about" and "resources/publications" pages.  I also recommend (not required) that you follow them on social media to receive their updates and new resources. 

  • International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL): Aside from having a terrible acronym (How did they get "iNACOL"?), this is a helpful organization for practitioners. However, they are also biased and work to promote K-12 online learning. As a result, they tend not to highlight the drawbacks to online learning. This is also the group that publishes online teaching standards that are widely used. In fact, I'm part of a group that is revising the standards. The revisions should be published later this year. 
  • Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute (MVLRI): This is a state-run organization focused on understanding the effectiveness of online learning and improving online learning opportunities for students. MVLRI is unbiased and focused on conducing unbiased research that can guide initiatives and professional development. While its focused on Michigan, they collaborate with research fellows from around the country (including myself) and their work can provide insights to those outside of Michigan. In fact, their annual effectiveness report is one of the best and most comprehensive research on the effectiveness of online learning. 

TASK: I would also like you to explore how your school district is involved in online learning. Do they offer online courses? Are those courses created and taught by people in your school district or are they purchased from an outside vendor? 

 

Required Readings

  • Keeping Pace With K-12 Online Learning: An Annual Review of Policy and Practice: 2016  If this takes you to a page, click on "2016 Keeping Pace Annual Report" to download. This looks like a long reading but it's really not. There are a lot of callout boxes that you can quickly skim or skip. You also skim or skip 24-56. 
  • 2011 Keeping Pace With K-12 Online Learning: An Annual Review of Policy and Practice   This is actually a 2011 report but the information on the pages you will be reading have not changed much.  This is one of the few reports that discuss learner demographics in online learning environments (only read pages 8-11 and 35-37) 
  • Making the Choice to go Online: Exploring Virtual Schooling as an Option for K-12 Students  This is the longest of the readings but it's also the most important.  Recently a handbook of school choice published three chapters: (1) a chapter making the case for online learning that I wrote, (2) a chapter on making the case against online learning that Michael Barbour wrote, and (3) this chapter that you will read which gives the general background, benefits, and limitations of online learning. This chapter provides a great summary of some of the main issues that we will talking about throughout the rest of the semester so it's a good idea to read this one carefully.   
  • Do Learners Really Know Best? Urban Legends in Education (only read 169-173).  This is one of my favorite articles because it busts many of the dangerous myths in education.  If you chose to read this article, pay particular attention to pages 169-173 that discuss the myth that students are "digital natives" who naturally learn technology because they have grown up with it.  It also busts the myth that students have "learning styles." There has also been an avalanche of articles focused on the myth of "learning styles," including this The Atlantic article. Students can have learning preferences but not "learning styles" as it has been defined. For the remainder of your time in the program, please don't use the terms "digital native(s)" or "learning style(s)." 

Video Playlist

The embedded playlist below contains the following videos:

If you are new to YouTube playlists they are easy to use (and create). You just play it like a normal video.  The difference is that when the video ends the next video on the play list will automatically begin.  Also, next to the play button at the bottom of the video is a "Previous" button and a "Next" button that allow you to skip around in the playlist.  Playlists also eliminates most of the anoying advertisments they play at the start of videos.  You can also speed up the videos if you like (video tutorial).