What Happened?
The Lebanon Community School District recently deployed an online learning program to increase flexibility of academic resources to help students achieve academic goals. Since the launch of the program six months ago, more than 450 students have participated in online courses.
So What?
Oregon iSchool leverages online tools and state-certified instructors to offer full-time online courses for students K-12. While the program allows students to access all coursework remotely via an internet connection, the Oregon iSchool has also been deployed in local schools to enhance and strengthen special education, alternative education and advanced studies programs.
The Lebanon Community School District’s area has struggled since the economic downturn, placing strain on educators and students alike to overcome these challenges and stay on pace with other districts. By providing students and teachers with virtual resources and greater flexibility in scheduling and pacing of coursework, many students are having their needs met despite economic barriers.
How It Works
In partnership with K12 Inc, the Lebanon Community School District has adopted curriculum software for students K-5 and a different solution for students in grades 6-12. Students in specialized programs also have access to additional preparation materials to enhance comprehension and performance. Teachers can customize the online coursework to target particularly challenging concepts, individual skills or learning gaps. Instructors are also available for in-person consultations and assistance to participating students and families. In creating individualized learning environments, students’ strengths and weaknesses can be identified, and coursework can be tailored to improve outcomes.
Value Of Online In Higher Education
As the cost of college tuition continues to rise, communities are seeking tools to reduce the cost to make access to higher education readily available to all young adults. A recent survey conducted by The Chronicle revealed professors teaching massive open online courses (MOOCs) with more than 10,000 students at once believe the strategy is a successful methodology to making higher education more accessible. The survey found of the teachers offering free online courses:
- 86 percent believe the MOOCs could marginally or significantly reduce the cost of attaining a college degree
- 79 percent agree the online courses are worth the hype
As to how the courses are prepared:
- 97 percent of professors create original videos
- 75 percent launch open educational resources
- 27 percent experiment with other unique tools
- 9 percent require physical books be purchased to support coursework
- 5 percent ask students to purchase e-books
Open SUNY
The State University of New York Board of Trustees recently approved the Open SUNY online coursework program that will offer academic learning alternatives to 468,000 students on 64 campuses. In 2012, more than 86,000 students enrolled in online courses, and the program plans to add 100,000 degree-seeking students within three years. According to SUNY’s strategic plan, online courses will:
- Help the state meet workforce needs and development
- Increase educational opportunities at reduced costs
- Enhance partnerships between institutions and other academic and professional organizations to better serve student populations
- Make better use of available resources across campuses
Other Educational Advancements
Gov1 is also monitoring other uses of technology and planning strategies to make better use of academic resources.