Education Sector: Research and Reports: Laboratories of Reform: Virtual High Schools and Innovation in Public Education

Education Sector: Research and Reports: Laboratories of Reform: Virtual High Schools and Innovation in Public Education

Virtual Schools as Hotbed of Reform

This report outlines how online programs are: (1) individualizing student learning 24/7, (2) creating new models for evaluating and assisting teachers, (3) pioneering performance-based education funding models. It speaks highly of the value of blending online with traditional classrooms. Online learning can be a major player in school reform by changing the ways teachers practice. For example, 75% of responding teachers reported that online learning encouraged them to increase student participation, independant learning, and the use of questioning strategies. Marc

eSchool News online - Teachers gain tech skills while in their PJs

eSchool News online - Teachers gain tech skills while in their PJs

This is really cool! What a great way to get teachers trained in technology integretion. Infosource learning curriculum is worth checking out. Marc

eSchool News online

eSchool News online

This article has links to some great articles about technology and drop out prevention. Those interested in high school reform should be especially interested. The article on virtual schools help at-risk students learn is a powerful example of what we could do here in Kelso. Marc

Introductions

My name is Marc Roland. I was hired by Kelso in 1995 as a long-term substitute teacher at Catlin Elementary School. It was a class from hell! For some reason, I succeeded after three other subs burned out. I think that was the reason I was offered a job helping with the newly created alternative program (ALO). This program started at the middle schools and then moved to Kelso High as a evening program and eventually settled off campus at St. Mary's. From there, it was off to lock up at the detention school where it seems like I have a life sentence.

I have always loved gadgets and technology. I currently do the tech stuff at juvie and I was a part of the revision of our district technology plan. professionally, I am writing my dissertation for a MA in education technology. I will be traveling to Alaska in June to graduate and take a multimedia class. Future plans include getting a administration credential and becoming a technology integration specialist. I'm passionate about the possibilities of E-learning and the power of the internet.

Priorities for distance learning

Starting a distance learning program can be daunting. Unless we know the reasons we want to do this, we will miss the mark by either trying to do too much or too little. Please comment of what you think would be a good place to start. Who are our students who need this the most?