Why use online learning @ James Madison? 1. Online learning allows students and teachers flexibility Learning can take place at any time Students can learn at any pace Stucents can learn any content 2. Online learning meets the academic needs of students Students gain more time. Instruction is innovative and individualized. Course material is more engaging. 3. Our current situation isn't working. This flexibility would be especially useful for our two students taking extension courses at the high school level. Or, the two eighth grade students who missed a lot of school during pregnancy. Public schools all over the United States are failing our students. Schools need to prepare our young for the 21st century. We need to make their education interactive, engaging, and related to the world they live in. 4. The virtual classroom appeals to the three basic learning types. Visual learners benefit from the graphics, images, movement, and colors available with technology. Auditory learners learn best through listening. They would benefit from voicethread, podcasts, or video. Kinesthetic learners thrive from hands on activities. 5. Online education is very effective. courses tend to be very structured and organized course work excites and motivates students student work is refined until perfected through teacher coaching 6. How does online schooling work? Start with leaders and coaches for support. Provide demonstrations over what technology can do for your classrooms. Start slowly by integrating small changes over a period of time. Remember the benefits for both teachers and students. Use available support staff for questions and training. References Cavanaugh,C., & Clark, T. (2007). The Landscape of k-12 Online Learning. In P. Adamson, B. Adamson, & N. Clausen-Grace, et al (Eds.), What Works in K-12 Online Learning (Chapter 1, pp. 5-19). Gillard, S., & Bailey, D. (2007). Technology in the classroom: Overcoming obstacles, reaping rewards. The International Journal of Learning, 14(1). Young, J., Birtolo, P., & McElman, R. (2009). Virtual success: Transforming education through online learning. Learning & Leading with Technology, 36(5) 12-17.