What Is E-Learning Doing to Education Systems Connecticut

What Is E-Learning Doing to Education Systems? Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium Ed Klonoski eklonoski@ctdlc. org (860) 832 -3886

“The Future is Here…Just Unevenly Distributed”* • 14 states have “a planned or operational state-sanctioned, state-level virtual school in place” (Clark, 2001). • FLVS began in 1998 with 1, 400 student enrollments in 33 courses. FLVS anticipates over 7, 000 student enrollments in 62 courses by the close of the 2001 -2002 school year. • VHS: 30 Schools spanning 13 time zones in 3 countries with 21 programs providing courses over the Internet. • More than 50% of US high schools are currently offering online courses or exploring them for the future. • More than 40% of all public high schools are using online courses or planning to use them during this school year. *William Gibson, author of The Neuromancer.

What is Driving Change? • External Forces – Communication technologies • Networks – New competition • NCLB scores • Internal Forces – Student/parent technology expectations – New digital curricula • Better technology – Technology driven re-organization

E-Learning Change Levers • • • Dialogue becomes Multilogue Teaching becomes Mentoring Working becomes Learning Convenience becomes Necessity Technology becomes Ubiquitous

What Will K-12 Look Like in 20 Years? • • • Teaching? Students? Administration? Finances? Employment?

The Online Academy • All Students Online • Most Services Online – Application, registration, advising, tutoring, library, transcripting. • Ubiquitous Technology • Local Service Areas… Not the Only Option

Administrative Developments Learning Centered Administration • Anytime learning – self-paced, standards driven, market sensitive • National/International content providers – online, technology enhanced, niche focused • Schools as learning hubs/teachers as mentors/content as commodity

The Student View: 6 -12 • • • Resources revolve around the student. Simulation-based learning is emerging. Collaboration is not limited by geography or language (universal translation). More choices of curriculum, approach, modality, and peer group. Self-paced, outcomes driven learning. Borderless transition to “college”.

Evidence that the Future is Here • • Course-Related Web Pages Digital “Lessons” Discussion Boards Virtual High Schools K-12 Portals Online School Administration Wall Street Enthusiasm

Political Changes • Local Control Reduced – – Standards driven learning… More resource sharing across districts Specialty schools…home schooling increases Increased transparency (think video cameras) • Learning Outcomes Reconsidered – Why are boys turning away from college? – Where is the next generation of engineers…math teachers…doctors, etc. ? – What new skills does globalization require?

The Teaching Profession • Multiple Roles – Course designer, instructor, mentor, tutor, advisor, coach, cafeteria duty • Increased exposure – Cross district students, teachers as “shared” resource, increased job mobility • Part-time specialists

Adult High School Online Project • Pilot Project to discover process & needs • Deliverables: – Orientation Course – 4 online High School courses – Professional Development plans – Virtual High School roadmap

Orientation Course • Now available to the Adult Education Community!! • http: //bb. ctdlc. org/ – Username: – Password: adultedu orientation • To enroll students & instructors contact: – cvarley@ctdlc. org

Orientation Course Training • Time Frame: • Audience: • • May-June Adult Education Community/ Teams Provider: CTDLC Cost: None Stipend: $750/district Schedule: Two full days plus online activities. See handouts for full description.

What Is E-Learning Doing to Education Systems? Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium Ed Klonoski eklonoski@ctdlc. org (860) 832 -3886