K-12 Online Learning And E-Learn 2009

Well, even though I am at the annual convention for AECT at the moment, the Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education is hosting their e-Learn conference in Vancouver, BC.  And while I can’t be there, I did search the program to see if there were any presentations focused on K-12 online learning.  Here is what I came up with by searching the names of virtual school researchers I know, along with the terms K-12 online learning, cyber school, virtual school, and distributed learning.

Evaluation of the impact of an online secondary school educational game – Asthma: 123…Breath!
ID: 26851
Type: Full Paper
Topic: Evaluation
Room: 3
Tue, Oct. 27 1:30 PM-2:30 PM

Authors:
Louise Sauve, TELUQ, Canada
David Kaufman, Simon Fraser University, Canada
Lise Renaud, UQAM, Canada

Abstract:
This full paper comprises five parts: (1) the problems associated with asthma in the province of Quebec and Canada; (2) the theoretical framework for the knowledge acquisition and attitude change enhanced by our online educational game, created by starting from the popular board game Parchesi, and intended for students in a senior secondary school health education program (15 and 17 years old); (3) the methodological approach, including the quasi-experimental research protocol, the target population, the variables being studied, the measurement instruments, the data analysis, and a description of the educational game; (4) the results of the pilot testing with regard to the game’s design, user-friendliness, and pedagogical readability, and (5) the results of the pilot test of the measurement instruments (i.e., questionnaires) that assess the structuring of knowledge and attitude change.

The Effectiveness of a Synchronous Delivery Model for E-Learning at the High School Level
ID: 26928
Type: Best Practices Session
Topic: Content Development
Room: 9
Wed, Oct. 28 11:15 AM-12:15 PM

Authors:
MichaeL Canuel, Learn Quebec, Canada

Abstract:
Over the last ten years LEARN has provided a wide range online courses destined for senior high school students. These courses have been offered online using a synchronous delivery platform which integrates a number of technological applications. The underlying philosophy for this delivery model was to promote teacher-student interactivity and encourage cognitive engagement. A quantitative and qualitative analysis of the program detailing this innovate pedagogical approach was conducted in the spring of 2009. The presentation for the Best Practice session will highlight the results of this study and review the potential impact on e-learning for high school students and online educators.

Distance Learning in Cambodia
ID: 27319
Type: Brief Paper
Topic: Implementation Examples & Issues
Room: 11
Thu, Oct. 29 5:15 PM-6:15 PM

Authors:
Mabille Pascal, Connected Schools, France

Abstract:
We (Connected Schools NGO) have implemented a “distance learning” pilot project in Cambodia. The project lasted 2 years and encompasses four major developments: the implementation of a high speed wireless network connecting 10 schools in two locations 80km apart (Phnom Penh and Angtasom), the creation of multimedia professional trainings in local language (khmer), the installation of low power low cost conference rooms in those schools and finally the creation of a “Wireless Communications” Training in Cambodia.

View PowerPoint Presentation

Online Student Teaching: Procedures and Practices
ID: 27117
Type: Best Practices Session
Topic: Other
Room: 5
Fri, Oct. 30 11:15 AM-12:15 PM

Authors:
Constance Wyzard, Boise State University, USA
Terrie Wessel, Boise State University, USA
Mark Frank, Boise State University, USA

Abstract:
An examination of procedures developed at universities around the country reveals common practices and procedures created to facilitate the traditional student teaching experience. However, when the educational environment is virtual, and the mentor teacher, student teacher and university supervisor are located thousands of miles apart, new, online-friendly procedures are imperative. The presenters will “walk” the audience through an actual online student teaching experience and provide examples of challenges associated with providing a relevant online internship.This presentation provides guidelines tailored for online student teaching. Specific responsibilities related to the role of the student teacher, mentor teacher and university supervisor and the adaptations necessary for an online environment are explored. Included in the presentation are concrete suggestions for managing orientation, administration, observation, evaluation and teaching tasks using technology.

Designing a Plan for Systematic Maintenance of Online PD Courses: The Evolution of the eLearning for Educators Alabama Virtual Update Team
ID: 27385
Type: Virtual Brief Paper
Topic: Content Development
Room: 1
Sun, Oct. 25 10:00 AM-11:00 AM

Authors:
Carolyn Starkey, Alabama State University, USA
Kirsten Peterson, EdTech Leaders Online, Education Development Center, Inc., USA
Tom Dreilinger, ELearning for Educators Alabama, Alabama State Department of Education, USA

Abstract:
ELearning for Educators Alabama is an online professional development program that provides accessible, high-quality professional development to teachers in Alabama as well as throughout the ten-state eLearning for Educators consortium. Based on the learning community model of online professional development designed by EdTech Leaders Online (ETLO) of the Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC), eLearning for Educators Alabama incorporates extensive web-base content, rich in multimedia resources, in its courses. Due to the fluid nature of the Internet, this web-based content may change often, requiring frequent course modifications to stay current and accurate. Other more extensive course modifications are necessary periodically to ensure currency and relevancy in pedagogy and content. This paper describes the design process of a systematic course maintenance plan for the eLearning for Educators Alabama program and includes the development of the virtual team organization, an update philosophy, a full course update process, and a routine maintenance procedure.

View PowerPoint Presentation

If anyone is attending e-Learn, I would love notes from any of these sessions that I could post a guest blog entries.

Re-Post: AECT And K-12 Online Learning

I promised to re-post this entry as the annual convention got closer.  Again, this is based on a quick search of the totally user unfriendly AECT (see http://www.aect.org/Events/program/MyAECT.asp?Alpha=) for K-12 online learning presentations.

21-WW.b ‘Chinese Online Education into New Millennium’

Description: There is a huge expansion of Internet usage in China, which subsequently influenced Chinese education at large. There were forerunners investigating the implications and impacts of the Internet in China, however, at present little is known about Chinese online distance education and its sustainable development. This paper discusses the recent changes that the Internet and its web-based applications have brought into Chinese education system in higher education, K-12 and work-based training.
Sponsor(s): SICET Proposal ID: 348 Session Facilitator: Ms. Shuyan, University of Southern Mississippi
Length: 30 Minutes (Paired Session) Timeblock: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Date: 10/29/09 Location: Willow
Keywords: Distance Education, Session Type: Concurrent
Key presenter: Xiaojun Chen, Purdue University®

22-BN Theme: Transforming Learning and Instruction
.a ‘Personality Preferences and Online Teaching Styles’

Description: This descriptive case study explores, and discusses Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality preferences as reflected in perceptions of online teaching by participating university instructors. A secondary goal concerns how different MBTI personality preferences influence the design and delivery of online courses. In this study we are incorporating personality preferences in recognition of how individual instructors influence the learning experiences of their students. The research outcomes will support the professional development of aspiring and existing online teachers.
Sponsor(s): Distance Learning Proposal ID: 302 Session Facilitator: Wilhelmina Savenye, Arizona State University
Length: 30 Minutes (Paired Session) Timeblock: 9:15 AM – 10:15 AM Date: 10/29/09 Location: Brown
Keywords: Distance Education, Instructional Development Session Type: Concurrent
Key presenter: Maria Avgerinou, DePaul University®
Copresenter(s): Anne Russell, Russell Synergies

22-FH Theme: Reflection Paper Overview
.a ‘Reflection Paper (10a)’

Description: During this hour-long session, the authors of six different reflection papers will each provide a ten-minute summary of their work, inviting attendees to personally visit a later, 1-hour session to hear more about their study. This group includes the following reflection papers (the later, 1-hour session time is included in parentheses):
Formative Research on the School System Transformation Protocol: The Development of Transformational Leadership Capacity in a School District’s Systemic Change Process (Thur, 1:00pm, 25-FH)
Teaching a Course in Flexible & Distance Learning with Virtual Schooling (Fri, 2:15pm, 36-CE)
Organizational Support for the Adoption of Educational Technology (Fri, 3:30pm, 37-CE)
Integrative & Interdisciplinary Approach to Designing an Educational Technology Graduate Program (Thur, 1:00pm, 25-FH)
Flexible Online Learning & Game-based Learning Environments: Do They Make a Happy Marriage? (Thur, 1:00pm, 25-FH)
Context Matters: A Description & Typology of the Online Learning Landscape (Fri, 1:00pm, 35-CE).
Sponsor(s): AECT Proposal ID: 838 Session Facilitator: TBA
Length: 30 Minutes (Paired Session) Timeblock: 9:15 AM – 10:15 AM Date: 10/29/09 Location: French
Keywords: Assessment, Session Type: Concurrent
Key presenter: D Douglas Doblar, Indiana University®
Copresenter(s): Yasemin Demiraslan, Iowa State University® | Niki Davis, e-Learning University of Canterbury | Karen Kellison, James Madison University | Michele Estes, James Madison University | Diane Wilcox, James Madison University

23-FH.b ‘Reflection Paper (9b)’

Description: During this hour-long session, the authors of five different reflection papers will each provide a ten-minute summary of their work, inviting attendees to personally visit a later, 1-hour session to hear more about their study. This group includes the following reflection papers (the later, 1-hour session time is included in parentheses):
Tips for teaching Online Classes (Thur, 1:00pm, 25-FH)
Do Teachers Enrolled in an Online Science Course Learn More when Participating in Discussion Boards? (Thur, 1:00pm, 25-FH)
Does Narrated Animation Enhance Students Procedural Knowledge in an Engineering Design Course? (Thur, 1:00pm, 25-FH)
On Measuring Attrition: An Examination U.S. Virtual School Trial Period & Course Completion Policies (Fri, 9:15am, 32-CE)
If We Build It, Will They Come: Designing a Cross-cultural E-learning 2.0 Environment (Thur, 1:00pm, 25-FH).
Sponsor(s): AECT Proposal ID: 837 Session Facilitator: TBA
Length: 30 Minutes (Paired Session) Timeblock: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM Date: 10/29/09 Location: French
Keywords: Assessment, Session Type: Concurrent
Key presenter: Abigail Hawkins Gonzales, Brigham Young University®
Copresenter(s): Michael Barbour, Wayne State University® | Sue-Jen Chen, U. of North Carolina Wilmington® | Chao-Li Hsu, Wenzao Ursuline College

25-BM ‘Cyber Charters: A Panel Discussion’

Description: This integrative panel presentation will share the insights of several scholars and practitioners engaged for some time in the research and development of cybercharter schools. This is the result of a special issue of Tech Trends which focused on cybercharters to be published in the fall of 2009.
Sponsor(s): AECT Proposal ID: 224 Session Facilitator: Daniel Surry, Univ. of South Alabama
Length: 1 Hour Timeblock: 1:00 PM-2:00:00 PM Date: 10/29/09 Location: Beckham
Keywords: Systemic Change, Distance Education Session Type: Concurrent
Key presenter: Ali Carr-Chellman, Penn State University®
Copresenter(s): David Wiley, Brigham Young University® | Michael Barbour, Wayne State University® | Belinda Cambre, University of New Orleans® | Beth Sockman, East Stroudsburg University® | Eugene Kowch, University of Calgary® | Rose Marsh, Penn State University®

25-FH.g ‘Internship Experiences for K12 Technology Facilitators’

Description: Internship experiences are no less important for an online program than clinical experiences required in face-to-face degree programs. Prospective technology facilitators engaged in internship experiences can be strongly supported through online learning communities. Learning becomes interactive through small cluster groups engaged in peer mentoring. Learning communities provide feedback on the design of staff development and shared experiences in the day to day life of the technology facilitator.
Sponsor(s): School Media & Technology Proposal ID: 161 Session Facilitator: TBA
Length: 1 Hour Timeblock: 1:00 PM-2:00:00 PM Date: 10/29/09 Location: French (g)
Keywords: Community of Practice, Distance Education Session Type: Roundtable
Key presenter: Carol A. Brown, East Carolina University®

32-CE.p ‘On Measuring Attrition: An Examination U.S. Virtual School Trial Period and Course Completion Policies ‘

Description: This study examined variations in virtual school course enrollment trial periods and course completion policies?two policies that impact the comparability of school attrition statistics. Researchers contacted 169 U.S. virtual schools. Over 80% of respondents had trial periods. Trial period lengths and course completion definitions varied significantly and are discussed. Researchers recommend adopting multiple measures for calculating student attrition to enable meaningful comparisons among virtual and brick and mortar schools.
Sponsor(s): Distance Learning Proposal ID: 649 Session Facilitator: TBA
Length: 1 Hour Timeblock: 9:15 AM-10:15:00 AM Date: 10/30/09 Location: Coe
Keywords: Distance Education, Research Studies Session Type: Reflective Paper
Key presenter: Abigail Hawkins Gonzales, Brigham Young University®
Copresenter(s): Michael Barbour, Wayne State University®

36-CE.p ‘Teaching a Course in Flexible and Distance Learning with Virtual Schooling’

Description: This paper describes an undergraduate course in Flexible and Distance Learning taught at a Midwestern university as a blended course to combine the best elements of face-to-face instruction with the best aspects of distance education. Unusually the course aimed to prepare future K-12 teachers to experience four roles, namely learner, designer, teacher, and site facilitator for K-12 students. After describing the structure and organization of the course, important issues including the course design, pedagogy, and the challenges are discussed with plans for future development of an international community of practice to prepare future teachers for distance education in the 21st century.
Sponsor(s): Distance Learning Proposal ID: 192 Session Facilitator: TBA
Length: 1 Hour Timeblock: 2:15 PM- Date: 10/30/09 Location: Coe
Keywords: Distance Education, Teacher Education Session Type: Reflective Paper
Key presenter: Yasemin Demiraslan, Iowa State University®
Copresenter(s): Niki Davis, University of Canterbury, New Zealand

36-CF .e ‘A Virtual Out of School Suspension Program’

Description: This article will document the design of a distance education Out of School Suspension Program. The following content addresses the purpose, resources, community, and history of the system and its subsystems. In addition, it describes the system in its entirety, including elements and relationships, interdependency, vision and learning paths. Following the description of the system is the mega, macro and micro communities? makeup, the cybernetics and assessments for the program.
URL: www.dorikoenig.com
Sponsor(s): Distance Learning Proposal ID: 523 Session Facilitator: TBA
Length: 1 Hour Timeblock: 2:15 PM- Date: 10/30/09 Location: Carroll-Ford (e)
Keywords: Distance Education, Instructional Design Session Type: Roundtable
Key presenter: Doris Koenig, Nova Southeastern University®

37-CF Theme: Roundtable Sessions
.h ‘Time and Responsibility: Examining the Volunteer Workload of School-based Personnel in one Distance Education Program’

Description: Historically, K-12 distance education in Newfoundland & Labrador largely worked due to the widely known, but rarely documented content-based assistance from school-based personnel. Currently, more rural schools find they must rely upon distance education to offer academic-level courses to students with a wide range of abilities, creating new responsibilities for teachers that have also gone undocumented. This study will document the duties and time required to provide support for this new model of distance education.
Sponsor(s): Distance Learning Proposal ID: 611 Session Facilitator: TBA
Length: 1 Hour Timeblock: 3:30 PM-4:30:00 PM Date: 10/30/09 Location: Carroll-Ford (h)
Keywords: Distance Education, Session Type: Roundtable
Key presenter: Michael Barbour, Wayne State University®
Copresenter(s): Dennis Mulcahy, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Hope to see some of you there…

AECT 2009 And K-12 Online Learning

Well, this is a quick search of the AECT schedule using their totally user unfriendly search mechanism (see http://www.aect.org/Events/program/MyAECT.asp?Alpha= – I mean you can’t even search by specific terms, you have to use their preset ones).  Anyway, based on searching the “distance education” tag and the K-12 online learning folks that I would expect to find at academic conferences, here are the K-12 online learning presentations I was able to come up with.

21-WW.b ‘Chinese Online Education into New Millennium’

Description: There is a huge expansion of Internet usage in China, which subsequently influenced Chinese education at large. There were forerunners investigating the implications and impacts of the Internet in China, however, at present little is known about Chinese online distance education and its sustainable development. This paper discusses the recent changes that the Internet and its web-based applications have brought into Chinese education system in higher education, K-12 and work-based training.
Sponsor(s): SICET Proposal ID: 348 Session Facilitator: Ms. Shuyan, University of Southern Mississippi
Length: 30 Minutes (Paired Session) Timeblock: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Date: 10/29/09 Location: Willow
Keywords: Distance Education, Session Type: Concurrent
Key presenter: Xiaojun Chen, Purdue University®

22-BN Theme: Transforming Learning and Instruction
.a ‘Personality Preferences and Online Teaching Styles’

Description: This descriptive case study explores, and discusses Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality preferences as reflected in perceptions of online teaching by participating university instructors. A secondary goal concerns how different MBTI personality preferences influence the design and delivery of online courses. In this study we are incorporating personality preferences in recognition of how individual instructors influence the learning experiences of their students. The research outcomes will support the professional development of aspiring and existing online teachers.
Sponsor(s): Distance Learning Proposal ID: 302 Session Facilitator: Wilhelmina Savenye, Arizona State University
Length: 30 Minutes (Paired Session) Timeblock: 9:15 AM – 10:15 AM Date: 10/29/09 Location: Brown
Keywords: Distance Education, Instructional Development Session Type: Concurrent
Key presenter: Maria Avgerinou, DePaul University®
Copresenter(s): Anne Russell, Russell Synergies

22-FH Theme: Reflection Paper Overview
.a ‘Reflection Paper (10a)’

Description: During this hour-long session, the authors of six different reflection papers will each provide a ten-minute summary of their work, inviting attendees to personally visit a later, 1-hour session to hear more about their study. This group includes the following reflection papers (the later, 1-hour session time is included in parentheses):
Formative Research on the School System Transformation Protocol: The Development of Transformational Leadership Capacity in a School District’s Systemic Change Process (Thur, 1:00pm, 25-FH)
Teaching a Course in Flexible & Distance Learning with Virtual Schooling (Fri, 2:15pm, 36-CE)
Organizational Support for the Adoption of Educational Technology (Fri, 3:30pm, 37-CE)
Integrative & Interdisciplinary Approach to Designing an Educational Technology Graduate Program (Thur, 1:00pm, 25-FH)
Flexible Online Learning & Game-based Learning Environments: Do They Make a Happy Marriage? (Thur, 1:00pm, 25-FH)
Context Matters: A Description & Typology of the Online Learning Landscape (Fri, 1:00pm, 35-CE).
Sponsor(s): AECT Proposal ID: 838 Session Facilitator: TBA
Length: 30 Minutes (Paired Session) Timeblock: 9:15 AM – 10:15 AM Date: 10/29/09 Location: French
Keywords: Assessment, Session Type: Concurrent
Key presenter: D Douglas Doblar, Indiana University®
Copresenter(s): Yasemin Demiraslan, Iowa State University® | Niki Davis, e-Learning University of Canterbury | Karen Kellison, James Madison University | Michele Estes, James Madison University | Diane Wilcox, James Madison University

23-FH.b ‘Reflection Paper (9b)’

Description: During this hour-long session, the authors of five different reflection papers will each provide a ten-minute summary of their work, inviting attendees to personally visit a later, 1-hour session to hear more about their study. This group includes the following reflection papers (the later, 1-hour session time is included in parentheses):
Tips for teaching Online Classes (Thur, 1:00pm, 25-FH)
Do Teachers Enrolled in an Online Science Course Learn More when Participating in Discussion Boards? (Thur, 1:00pm, 25-FH)
Does Narrated Animation Enhance Students Procedural Knowledge in an Engineering Design Course? (Thur, 1:00pm, 25-FH)
On Measuring Attrition: An Examination U.S. Virtual School Trial Period & Course Completion Policies (Fri, 9:15am, 32-CE)
If We Build It, Will They Come: Designing a Cross-cultural E-learning 2.0 Environment (Thur, 1:00pm, 25-FH).
Sponsor(s): AECT Proposal ID: 837 Session Facilitator: TBA
Length: 30 Minutes (Paired Session) Timeblock: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM Date: 10/29/09 Location: French
Keywords: Assessment, Session Type: Concurrent
Key presenter: Abigail Hawkins Gonzales, Brigham Young University®
Copresenter(s): Michael Barbour, Wayne State University® | Sue-Jen Chen, U. of North Carolina Wilmington® | Chao-Li Hsu, Wenzao Ursuline College

25-BM ‘Cyber Charters: A Panel Discussion’

Description: This integrative panel presentation will share the insights of several scholars and practitioners engaged for some time in the research and development of cybercharter schools. This is the result of a special issue of Tech Trends which focused on cybercharters to be published in the fall of 2009.
Sponsor(s): AECT Proposal ID: 224 Session Facilitator: Daniel Surry, Univ. of South Alabama
Length: 1 Hour Timeblock: 1:00 PM-2:00:00 PM Date: 10/29/09 Location: Beckham
Keywords: Systemic Change, Distance Education Session Type: Concurrent
Key presenter: Ali Carr-Chellman, Penn State University®
Copresenter(s): David Wiley, Brigham Young University® | Michael Barbour, Wayne State University® | Belinda Cambre, University of New Orleans® | Beth Sockman, East Stroudsburg University® | Eugene Kowch, University of Calgary® | Rose Marsh, Penn State University®

25-FH.g ‘Internship Experiences for K12 Technology Facilitators’

Description: Internship experiences are no less important for an online program than clinical experiences required in face-to-face degree programs. Prospective technology facilitators engaged in internship experiences can be strongly supported through online learning communities. Learning becomes interactive through small cluster groups engaged in peer mentoring. Learning communities provide feedback on the design of staff development and shared experiences in the day to day life of the technology facilitator.
Sponsor(s): School Media & Technology Proposal ID: 161 Session Facilitator: TBA
Length: 1 Hour Timeblock: 1:00 PM-2:00:00 PM Date: 10/29/09 Location: French (g)
Keywords: Community of Practice, Distance Education Session Type: Roundtable
Key presenter: Carol A. Brown, East Carolina University®

32-CE.p ‘On Measuring Attrition: An Examination U.S. Virtual School Trial Period and Course Completion Policies ‘

Description: This study examined variations in virtual school course enrollment trial periods and course completion policies?two policies that impact the comparability of school attrition statistics. Researchers contacted 169 U.S. virtual schools. Over 80% of respondents had trial periods. Trial period lengths and course completion definitions varied significantly and are discussed. Researchers recommend adopting multiple measures for calculating student attrition to enable meaningful comparisons among virtual and brick and mortar schools.
Sponsor(s): Distance Learning Proposal ID: 649 Session Facilitator: TBA
Length: 1 Hour Timeblock: 9:15 AM-10:15:00 AM Date: 10/30/09 Location: Coe
Keywords: Distance Education, Research Studies Session Type: Reflective Paper
Key presenter: Abigail Hawkins Gonzales, Brigham Young University®
Copresenter(s): Michael Barbour, Wayne State University®

36-CE.p ‘Teaching a Course in Flexible and Distance Learning with Virtual Schooling’

Description: This paper describes an undergraduate course in Flexible and Distance Learning taught at a Midwestern university as a blended course to combine the best elements of face-to-face instruction with the best aspects of distance education. Unusually the course aimed to prepare future K-12 teachers to experience four roles, namely learner, designer, teacher, and site facilitator for K-12 students. After describing the structure and organization of the course, important issues including the course design, pedagogy, and the challenges are discussed with plans for future development of an international community of practice to prepare future teachers for distance education in the 21st century.
Sponsor(s): Distance Learning Proposal ID: 192 Session Facilitator: TBA
Length: 1 Hour Timeblock: 2:15 PM- Date: 10/30/09 Location: Coe
Keywords: Distance Education, Teacher Education Session Type: Reflective Paper
Key presenter: Yasemin Demiraslan, Iowa State University®
Copresenter(s): Niki Davis, University of Canterbury, New Zealand

36-CF .e ‘A Virtual Out of School Suspension Program’

Description: This article will document the design of a distance education Out of School Suspension Program. The following content addresses the purpose, resources, community, and history of the system and its subsystems. In addition, it describes the system in its entirety, including elements and relationships, interdependency, vision and learning paths. Following the description of the system is the mega, macro and micro communities? makeup, the cybernetics and assessments for the program.
URL: www.dorikoenig.com
Sponsor(s): Distance Learning Proposal ID: 523 Session Facilitator: TBA
Length: 1 Hour Timeblock: 2:15 PM- Date: 10/30/09 Location: Carroll-Ford (e)
Keywords: Distance Education, Instructional Design Session Type: Roundtable
Key presenter: Doris Koenig, Nova Southeastern University®

37-CF Theme: Roundtable Sessions
.h ‘Time and Responsibility: Examining the Volunteer Workload of School-based Personnel in one Distance Education Program’

Description: Historically, K-12 distance education in Newfoundland & Labrador largely worked due to the widely known, but rarely documented content-based assistance from school-based personnel. Currently, more rural schools find they must rely upon distance education to offer academic-level courses to students with a wide range of abilities, creating new responsibilities for teachers that have also gone undocumented. This study will document the duties and time required to provide support for this new model of distance education.
Sponsor(s): Distance Learning Proposal ID: 611 Session Facilitator: TBA
Length: 1 Hour Timeblock: 3:30 PM-4:30:00 PM Date: 10/30/09 Location: Carroll-Ford (h)
Keywords: Distance Education, Session Type: Roundtable
Key presenter: Michael Barbour, Wayne State University®
Copresenter(s): Dennis Mulcahy, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Unfortunately you’ll note that while there aren’t that many, several of the sessions overlap in time which means you’ll have to pick and choose.  I’ll re-post this entry as the event gets closer.

VHS Presenting At Ohio Association of Gifted Children Conference

This came across my radar screen a while back when I received an e-mail I received from the iNACOL group on LinkedIn.  The message simply read:

October 12, 2009 – VHS Presenting at Ohio Association of Gifted Children Conference

http://www.oagc.com/files/tentativesmallsessions.8.27.09.pdf

When you follow the link and look through the program, you find this session:

Monday, October 12, 2009
Session Three 1:30-2:20 PM

Dana Koch and Leanne Ross*
The Global Classroom: Challenges for
Gifted and Talented Students

Twenty first century communications tools present a unique opportunity to create a global classroom experience for like-minded students. Virtual High School Global Consortium (VHS) in partnership Fairfield County ESC provides a collaborative of schools, offering fully online, teacher facilitated unique electives, honors, AP and IB courses.

Intended Audience: Gifted Coordinators
Targeted Grade: 9-12
Presentation Level of Difficulty:  Intermediate
Room: Juniper B (seats 75)

The conference appears to run from 12-13 October 2009.  For more information about the Ohio Association for Gifted Children and their conference, follow the respective links.

K-12 Online Learning And The Annual Conference On Distance Teaching & Learning

I’ll be honest and say that this is a conference that is always on my radar screen, but I have never been able to attend (although I did have a couple of things accepted early in my doctoral student days – and one item even accepted into the proceedings one year).  Anyway, the Annual Conference on Distance Teaching & Learning in Madison, Wisconsin is coming up and I wanted to highlight some of the presentations focused on K-12 online learning (at least based on the session title, the presenter names, and the institutional affiliations).

Thursday, 10:15am-12:00pm
Algebra readiness: A next generation
Moses Wolfenstein & Patrick Wirth, Academic ADL Co-Lab

Thursday, 2:15pm-3:00pm
25 years of instructional design in distance education: PLATO to online
Rick Shearer, Pennsylvania State University

Friday, 8:00am-8:45am
Conspiracy Code: An online, immersive American History learning game
Jeramy Gatza, Florida Virtual School

Friday, 8:00am-9:45am
AD-5 What Works in K-12 Online Learning
Cathy Cavanaugh, University of Florida & Robert Blomeyer, Online Teaching Associates Ltd.

Friday, 9:00am-9:45am
Success through culturally-sensitive support for disenfranchised students
David Glick, David B. Glick & Associates, LLC

Friday, 11:45am-12:30pm
Rethinking 21st century learning environments
Robert Blomeyer, Online Teaching Associates. Ltd. & Cathy Cavanaugh, University of Florida

Friday, 12:45pm-1:30pm
Best online teaching practices for virtual high schools grades 9-12
Billy Beesley & Kimberly Dion, Insight School of Wisconsin

One session that I would like to highlight, only because I believe one of these presenters will be posting a guest blog entry on this topic after the conference.

Rethinking 21st century learning environments
Presenter(s)	Robert Blomeyer Business Manager and Co-Owner Online Teaching Associates Ltd.Catherine Cavanaugh Associate Professor, Educational Technology College of Educationat the University of Florida
Abstract	K-12 online learning in is a rapidly diffusing innovation with potential to enrich traditional instruction, provide alternative paths to high school graduation, and make instructional technology a central component of programs in today’s schools. Join this session to envision a future in which blended online teaching and learning becomes the new status quo in America’s schools.
Time	Friday, August 7, 11:45 am-12:30 pm

Another two sessions from Cathy Cavanaugh that I found out about from Facebook.

Anyway, if you are there I would love to post updates and guest blog entries. I’ll try and contact some of these presenters and see if they are willing to post things about their sessions here – either leading up to or after the conference.