online learning

  • WSJ Talks with Khan Academy About Flipping the Classroom Model
    By John Bailey
    April 11, 2011

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  • Kahn Academy TED Talk
    By John Bailey
    March 14, 2011
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  • FCC Announces $9 million for 35,000 students across 14 states for E-rate Mobile Pilot
    By John Bailey
    March 9, 2011
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  • Assorted Links
    By John Bailey
    December 28, 2010

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  • Education for Innovation: Strong Endorsement for Online Learning and FLVS
    By John Bailey
    December 10, 2010
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  • Assorted Links
    By John Bailey
    December 6, 2010

     

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  • Making State Policy Friendly for Digital Learning
    By John Bailey
    December 2, 2010

    Former Governors Jeb Bush and Bob Wise released an innovative plan (pdf) to make state policy more friendly to digital learning.  The report is the result of a three month discussion that began back in August (see our blog post here) that involved 100 leaders from government, solution providers, philanthropy, and schools.

    The effort is important for a couple of reasons:

    • Legitimizing Digital Education:  The involvement of such a diverse group of individuals helps to elevate online learning and other uses of technology to personalize education in the education reform discussion. 

    • Creating the Conditions for Growth:  Most of the recommendations encourage states to create the right conditions for digital learning.  Creating a stable policy and regulatory environment that is supportive of online learning and eliminates barriers, such as online enrollment caps, will help fuel more growth.  

    • Establishing Provider Neutrality:   The 10 elements help establish a level playing field for all providers, instead of tilting the benefits to just non-profit providers.  The focus is placed on quality rather than limiting opportunities based on tax-status.

    • Linking Digital Learning to Broader Education Goals: Digital learning offers the best hope for scaling college-ready courses like AP and advanced STEM courses.  It also is one of the better tools available to states as they think about doing more with less given tightening state education budgets.   

    There are a few challenges. First, the terms we often use to describe this technology seem to change more then the technology itself. What is often being described today as blended and hybrid learning models are similar to many of the instructional improvement systems launched back in the late 1990s. For example, Pennsylvania led an effort back in 2000-2001 to equip schools with software and online services to "customize instruction for individual students and provide them with more individualized attention." The main difference is that today's technology is simply delivered over the Internet rather than through CDs or local servers.  

    Secondly, not all of this is a state responsibility.  School districts have a role and often are the entity that decides if a student can take an online course or not.  In other words, the state policy could permit opportunities, but local schools can block them.  The federal government can also help with incentives for states to adopt these digital learning friendly policies as well as funding support.  For example, the E-rate needs a more radical overhaul to support the type of learning described in this report.  Right now, the program is part of the problem by not fully supporting online learning.  

    Overall, a great report that will help serve as a policy guide for governors and state leaders.  Learn more by visiting the Digital Learning Now website.

     

    10 Elements of High Quality Digital Learning

    1. Student Eligibility: All students are digital learners.

    Actions for lawmakers and policymakers:

    • State ensures access to high quality digital content and online courses to all students.

    • State ensures access to high quality digital content and online courses to students in K-12 at any time in their academic career.

     

    2. Student Access: All students have access to high quality digital content and online courses.

    Actions for lawmakers and policymakers:

    • State does not restrict access to high quality digital content and online courses with policies such as class size ratios and caps on enrollment or budget.

    • State does not restrict access to high quality digital content and online courses based on geography, such as school district, county, or state.

    • State requires students take high quality online college-or career-prep courses to earn a high school diploma.

     

    3. Personalized Learning: All students can customize their education using digital content through an approved provider.

    Actions for lawmakers and policymakers:

    • State allows students to take online classes full-time, part-time or by individual course.

    • State allows students to enroll with multiple providers and blend online courses with onsite learning.

    • State allows rolling enrollment year round.

    • State does not limit the number credits earned online.

    • State does not limit provider options for delivering instruction.

     

    4. Advancement: Students progress based on demonstrated competency.

    Actions for lawmakers and policymakers:

    • State requires matriculation based on demonstrated competency.

    • State does not have a seat-time requirement for matriculation.

    • State provides assessments when students are ready to complete the course or unit.

     

    5. Content: Digital content, instructional materials, and online and blended learning courses are high quality.

    Actions for lawmakers and policymakers:

    • State requires digital content and online and blended learning courses to be aligned with state standards or common core standards where applicable.

     

    6. Instruction: Digital instruction and teachers are high quality.

    Actions for lawmakers and policymakers:

    • State provides alternative certification routes, including online instruction and performance-based certification.

    • State provides certification reciprocity for online instructors certified by another state.

    • State creates the opportunity for multi-location instruction.

    • State encourages post-secondary institutions with teacher preparation programs to offer targeted digital instruction training.

    • State ensures that teachers have professional development or training to better utilize technology and before teaching an online or blended learning course.

     

    7. Providers: All students have access to multiple high quality providers.

    Actions for lawmakers and policymakers:

    • State has an open, transparent, expeditious approval process for digital learning providers.

    • State provides students with access to multiple approved providers including public, private and nonprofit.

    • States treat all approved education providers- public, chartered and private – equally.

    • State provides all students with access to all approved providers.

    • State has no administrative requirements that would unnecessarily limit participation of high quality providers (e.g. office location).

    • State provides easy-to-understand information about digital learning, including programs, content, courses, tutors, and other digital resources, to students.

     

    8. Assessment and Accountability: Student learning is the metric for evaluating the quality of content and instruction.

    Actions for lawmakers and policymakers:

    • State administers assessments digitally.

    • State ensures a digital formative assessment system.

    • State evaluates the quality of content and courses predominately based on student learning data.

    • State evaluates the effectiveness of teachers based, in part, on student learning data.

    • State holds schools and providers accountable for achievement and growth.

     

    9. Funding: Funding creates incentives for performance, options and innovation.

    Actions for lawmakers and policymakers:

    • State funding model pays providers in installments that incentivize completion and achievement.

    • State allows for digital content to be acquired through instructional material budgets and does not discourage digital content with print adoption practices.

    • State funding allows customization of education including choice of providers.

     

    10. Delivery: Infrastructure supports digital learning.

    Actions for lawmakers and policymakers:

    • State is replacing textbooks with digital content, including interactive and adaptive multimedia.
    • State ensures high-speed broadband Internet access for public school teachers and students.
    • State ensures all public school students and teachers have Internet access devices.
    • State uses purchasing power to negotiate lower cost licenses and contracts for digital content and online courses.
    • State ensures local and state data systems and related applications are updated and robust to inform longitudinal management decisions, accountability and instruction.

     

     

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  • Assorted Links
    By John Bailey
    November 30, 2010
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  • Join the Debate: How Big of A Role Should Technology Play in the Classroom?
    By John Bailey
    November 22, 2010
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  • Florida Virtual School Announces Major Deal With Pearson For Worldwide Expansion
    By John Bailey
    November 18, 2010

    The Florida Virtual School and Pearson have teamed up to offer Pearson Virtual Learning powered by FLVS  Schools will have access to not just online courses, but a customized credit recovery program called "Learning Recovery", AP courses, and professional development.

    This new partnership is well timed to take advantage of a number of macro trends that are driving online learning growth. Thirteen of the governors that won their 2010 elections had online learning in their education platforms. Half the states are facing deep budget gaps for the foreseeable future and the federal conversation has shifted from "stimulus" to "austerity" leading policymakers to look for ways to do more with less.  This environment could actually spur more growth in online learning given the cost effectiveness to scale professional development and college-ready courses such as AP.  Transition to Common Core could also spark new demand as schools look to online courses to fill in course caps.  

    Press releases below. 

     

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Florida Legislative Leaders Announce Worldwide Online Education Business Expansion

    Florida Virtual School and Pearson to Accelerate Online Learning Opportunities

    Orlando, FL (November 17, 2010) – Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos and House Speaker Dean Cannonannounced today an alliance between Florida Virtual School (FLVS) and Pearson Education, Inc., a global leader in education, technology and services. Under the agreement, Pearson will offer schools outside the state of Florida and across the globe more than 100 FLVS courses, including core courses in all disciplines, Advanced Placement, Career and Technology courses, and electives for grades 6-12. The courses will be aligned to the new Common Core State Standards. FLVS will continue to offer online courses within Florida. As the state’s premier public virtual school, this relationship will only serve to strengthen the products and services to the students and families in the state of Florida.

    Senator Haridopolis commented, ―Over a decade ago, Florida’s state leaders had the vision to invest in Florida Virtual School as the country’s first statewide public online school. Since that time, FLVS has built a program that has garnered national acclaim for our state. This agreement will help pave the way to expand and share innovative learning opportunities for 21st Century students

    ―When it comes to education, Florida has been a leader among its peers, and this agreement with Pearson and FLVS will revolutionize learning opportunities not only in Florida but on a global scale,‖ said State Representative, Cannon. ―Florida Virtual School’s online learning has improved the quality of instruction, while increasing productivity and lowering costs, ultimately reducing the burden on taxpayers as well as employing thousands of Floridians.‖

    Impressive data from an independent research study confirms that students learning through Florida Virtual School dramatically increased their performance, including a high student course completion rate with passing grades, and improved scores on state tests. These results have proven to be a cost-effective model for delivering instruction.

    FLVS President & CEO Julie Young added, "The opportunity to partner with Pearson is a monumental step forward in accomplishing our long-standing goals and mission at FLVS — to provide every child an engaging, personal, and unique learning experience."

    Pearson’s CEO for Schools Peter Cohen, said, "Our agreement with Florida Virtual School is one more step in recognizing the cosmic effect of technology in revolutionizing education. Digital learning allows teachers to customize education for each individual student. Through this alliance, we will expand Pearson’s existing virtual offerings and move forward with our commitment to transform education through technology and set each child on the path to success in school and in life."

    The agreement will make it possible for Florida’s schools, FLVS, and national and global school customers to provide a variety of new or advanced courses that they might otherwise not have the resources to offer. These new virtual courses will allow educators to customize offerings for students’

    individual interests and abilities. The courses provide online learning opportunities for students who live in rural areas, who are homebound, or who may need an online summer school option. The online school is also a valuable resource for those who are homeschooling their children.

    The Pearson and Florida Virtual School agreement provides the opportunity to reverse the school dropout rate by providing learning recovery courses for students who have to make up coursework in order to graduate. These courses are available at any time of the year and provide students with pre-tests, instruction, discussion-based assessments and post-tests.

    # # #

    About Florida Virtual School (FLVS)

    Florida Virtual School (FLVS) is an established leader in developing and providing virtual K-12 education solutions to students all over Florida, the US and the world. A nationally recognized eLearning model and recipient of numerous awards, FLVS was founded in 1997 and was the country’s first, state-wide internet based public high school. Today, FLVS serves full-time and part-time students in grades K-12 and provides a variety of custom solutions for schools and districts to meet student needs. FLVS aims to deliver a high quality, technology-based education that provides the skills and knowledge students need for success in the 21st Century. Its vision is to transform education and create possibilities for learners worldwide. For more information, go to www.flvs.net

    About Pearson

    As the world’s leading education company and leader in learning, content, technology, assessment and education services, Pearson is committed to improving the lives of people everywhere. We do this by providing support to build a stronger education system and offer personalized opportunities for students of all ages to learn at their own pace, in their own way. Our success is founded in partnering with education stakeholders to deliver innovative products, technologies and services that respond to challenges to education and help improve student achievement. Pearson is making unprecedented levels of investment in new models for education and supporting key elements of the reform agenda: Common Core standards, college and career readiness, teacher effectiveness, school improvement, and custom solutions for schools and colleges. Visit www.pearson.com.

    Media Contacts:

    Florida Virtual School – Star Kraschinsky, skraschinsky@flvs.net - 407.513.3456

    Pearson – Kate Miller, kate.miller@pearson.com – 800.745.8489

     

     

     

     

    Pearson and Florida Virtual School Announce Agreement

    Private/Public Alliance to Accelerate Reach of Online Learning Opportunities

    Orlando, FL and New York, NY, November 17, 2010 -- A private/public alliance between Pearson and Florida Virtual School (FLVS) will accelerate virtual learning opportunities around the world for millions of school students who have grown up smack in the middle of the technology revolution.

    The new Pearson Virtual Learning powered by Florida Virtual School will offer schools throughout the US and across the globe more than 100 FLVS courses in all subject areas for grades 6-12, including advanced placement and career and technology courses. The virtual courses will be aligned to the new Common Core state standards.

    Pearson CEO for Schools Peter Cohen said, "Our agreement with Florida Virtual School is one more step in recognizing the cosmic effect of technology in revolutionizing education. Digital learning allows teachers to customize education for each individual student. Through this alliance, we will expand Pearson's existing virtual offerings and move forward with our commitment to transform education through technology and set each child on the path to success in school and in life."

    FLVS President & CEO Julie Young said, "The opportunity to partner with Pearson is a monumental step forward in accomplishing our long-standing goals and mission at FLVS -- to provide every child an engaging, personal, and unique learning experience." Young noted that FLVS will retain its existing operation as a Florida public school.

    Impressive data from an independent research study confirms that students learning through Florida Virtual School dramatically increased their performance, including a high student completion rate with passing grades, and improved scores on state tests. These results have proven to be a cost-effective model for delivering instruction.

    Cohen said the new agreement will make it possible for schools to provide a variety of new or advanced courses that they might otherwise not have the resources to offer. These new virtual courses will allow educators to customize offerings for students' individual interests and abilities. The courses provide online learning opportunities for students who live in rural areas, who are homebound, or who may need an online summer school option. The online school is also a valuable resource for those who are homeschooling their children.

    The Pearson and Florida Virtual School agreement provides the opportunity to reverse the school dropout rate by providing learning recovery credits for students who have to make up coursework in order to graduate. These courses are available at any time of the year and provide students with pre-tests, instruction, discussion-based assessments and post-tests.

    In addition to full course availability, schools have the option to purchase courses for their own teachers to use or modify, and the courses will integrate with their existing learning management systems. Comprehensive services in customized teacher professional development, student management and systems integration services are available through Pearson Virtual Learning powered by Florida Virtual School. For more information, visit http://www.pearsonschool.com/virtuallearning.

    About Pearson

    As the world's leading education company and leader in learning, content, technology, assessment and education services, Pearson is committed to improving the lives of people everywhere. We do this by providing support to build a stronger education system and offer personalized opportunities for students of all ages to learn at their own pace, in their own way. Our success is founded in partnering with education stakeholders to deliver innovative products, technologies and services that respond to challenges to education and help improve student achievement. Pearson is making unprecedented levels of investment in new models for education and supporting key elements of the reform agenda: Common Core standards, college and career readiness, teacher effectiveness, school improvement, and custom solutions for schools and colleges. Visit http://www.pearson.com.

    About Florida Virtual School (FLVS)

    Florida Virtual School (FLVS) is an established leader in developing and providing virtual K-12 education solutions to students all over Florida, the US and the world. A nationally recognized eLearning model and recipient of numerous awards, FLVS was founded in 1997 and was the country's first, state-wide internet based public high school. Today, FLVS serves full-time and part-time students in grades K-12 and provides a variety of custom solutions for schools and districts to meet student needs. FLVS aims to deliver a high quality, technology-based education that provides the skills and knowledge students need for success in the 21st Century. Its vision is to transform education and create possibilities for learners worldwide. For more information, go to http://www.flvs.net.

    Contact

    Pearson - Kate Miller, kate.miller@pearson.com - 800.745.8489
    Florida Virtual School - Star Kraschinsky, skraschinsky@flvs.net - 407.513.3456

     

     

    Full disclosure, we work with FLVS and other online providers.  

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