How can e-learning Remove Barriers Found in a Traditional Classroom?

By using e-learning, educators open up a whole new way of delivering instruction. Students of all ability levels and socioeconomic backgrounds can find success using this type of instruction. At risk, part-time, high ability, homebound, students working on credit recovery, adults who work full time and are pursuing degrees, basically the sky is the limit!

Online learning can provide the student with personalized learning, opportunities for learning that aren't available within their school building or area, such as foreign language and extended learning classes, and numerous modes of learning.

Online discussion boards provide a way for many students to participate in discussions that would not ordinarily feel comfortable participating in a classroom with their peers. I have personally seen this happen in the classroom using basic Web 2.0 tools such as Wallwisher and Typewith. Discussions are much richer when everyone participates.

Three methods of delivering e-learning are synchronous, asynchronous, and blended learning which is a combination of both.

Synchronous is face-to-face instruction through video conferencing, Skype, FaceTime, or through interactive discussion boards such as Blackboard. The instructor and the students participate in the instruction at the same time.

Asynchronous instruction is conducted totally online. Communication between the instructor and the student is conducted through emails and online discussion boards. This type of instruction is neither time-bound or place-bound.

Blended online learning is a combination of face-to-face and online delivery. Many times blended learning instruction is facilitated by a learning management system such as, Cake, Blackboard, and My Big Campus.

A few barriers exist for online learning. The major barrier is equal access. In an affluent community, most students have the digital tools they need to complete the online courses. In a high-poverty community, computer access is limited. Many households do not own a computer or have Internet access.

A second barrier is lack of training for teachers of online courses. Preparing and delivering a successful online course is different than preparing and delivering a lesson in the classroom. Teachers need training in the software and hardware and should be able to help students troubleshoot problems if needed.

Letting technology become the purpose of the course instead of the content is yet another barrier. With so many tools available, it is easy to get caught up in the technology wave and forget that content is the reason for the class. Using technology to deliver the content is just a bonus!

Introduction

Hello! I am Lisa Wilson. Currently, I am the curriculum part of the Technology Department for South Knox School Corporation.

In 1991, I began my teaching career at South Knox Elementary School as a Teacher's Assistant. It didn't take long for me to decide I wanted to be a "real" teacher and have a classroom of my own! So, I began my studies at St. Mary-of-the-Woods College through their online WED, Women's External Degree program. I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Educational Technology with a minor in Gifted Education. The challenge of starting the computer program at SKE was given to me in 1995 and that was the beginning of my love for integrating technology into the curriculum.

After ten years with SKE, I moved onto North Gibson School Corporation as a Technology Coordinator. My main responsibility was to work with the teachers, providing them with the training they needed to help them incorporate technology into their curriculums. Three years later, I was offered the opportunity to work for SINE, Southwest Indiana Network for Education, as a Technology Trainer. Making sure their consultants received training from the best, I was blessed to receive training from education gurus such as Carolyn Tomlinson, Robert Marzano, Heidi Hayes Jacobs, and many more. Traveling all over Southern Indiana and working with teachers was one of the most exciting, as well as challenging jobs I have ever had. Unfortunately, SINE was funded by grants and after eight years, dissolved. Now, I find myself back where I began my teaching career. I am thrilled to be working again for South Knox School Corporation and with the teachers that have helped me so much throughout my career.

I was selected to take this course because of my position and I am looking forward to learn great things that I can pass along to my teachers.