Online education is changing the way that students access and receive high-quality instructional experiences around the world. With online instruction, teachers have a vast array of technology at their fingertips. Our K-12 Moving to Virtual Learning course provides real world tools and techniques for the design and implementation of quality, engaging, and interactive learning experiences for students. We discuss communication tools that foster interaction and collaboration between students and teachers, as well as how to support struggling learners, learners with special needs, and how to properly use assistive technologies.
K-12 Moving to Virtual Learning Module 1
Key Principles of Effective Online Education
Good teaching is good teaching, whether in person or virtually. In our first module, we discuss the characteristics of what quality online education is, as well as the foundation of what makes teachers successful in this type of learning environment.
What is Distance Learning?
Quality of Online Education
Qualities of Successful Teachers
When the Classroom Moves Online
Learner-Centeredness
K-12 Moving to Virtual Learning Module 2
Collaboration and Tools for Teaching Online
In this module, we examine various asynchronous and synchronous tools for delivering online instruction. We also discuss the benefits and challenges of implementing collaborative activities among students and teachers.
Tools for Delivering Instruction Online
Tools for Designing Instructional Elements
The Teacher in Online Teaching
Preparing for Your Online Classroom
Strategies for Online Collaboration
Assessing Collaboration and Community-Building Activities
K-12 Moving to Virtual Learning Module 3
Designing Quality Online Lessons
Discussion forums are very common in adult online environments; they are less frequently seen in K-12 programs. In this module we examine why this is the case, facilitation and management strategies, and how to promote engagement in online discussions. We also look at how to properly plan lessons for online delivery and how to manage your course site.
Physical Structure of Discussion Forums
Facilitating Effective Online Discussions
Assessing Online Discussions
Planning Lessons for Online Delivery
Lesson Design and Digital Media
K-12 Moving to Virtual Learning Module 4
Supporting Online Learners
In our final module, we discuss characteristics of online learners, strategies for differentiating instruction, and supporting learners with special needs. We describe Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and how to use assistive technologies. Finally, we examine the fundamentals of blended learning and how to implement these strategies.
Support for Learners with Special Needs
Differentiating Instruction for Struggling Students
Types of Learning Difficulties
Accessibility, Assistive Technology, and Accommodations
Digital Citizenship
Blended Classroom
After completing this course, learners should be able to:
Recall the principles of quality, effective online education
Recognize tools for collaboration and delivering instructional activities
Identify how to design, plan, and implement online lessons
Describe aspects for supporting online learners
Certificate of completion
This class is an independent-study course. Students will have all the resources needed to successfully complete the course within the online material. A student helpdesk is available for technical support during the course enrollment.