Parent Guide

Description:

In this module we will use a constructivist approach, working in teams to interact and collaborate online. The focus of our online project will be on developing policies that provide a framework for cultivating online interactions and relationships among community members.

We'll also examine ways to communicate learning expectations with parents and to establish protocols for following educational institutional regulations.

Specifically, we’re going to work in teams using Google Sites to develop a Parent Guide. We will use Skype to plan our activities and Google Sites to collaboratively create our documents.

Assignment:

Step One: Read about Parent Guides

- Parents Parental involvement and interaction in K12 online learning is critical. Most students are minors and parents will want to play an active role in monitoring online activities for safety reasons, ensuring that students are meeting learning objectives, and communicating with the instructor about student progress. A Parent Resource Guide for your course is an invaluable communication tool for helping parents to become involved in their student’s online learning activities.

Step Two: If you haven't already, create a Google account and familiarize yourself with Google Sites.

Step Three: Access the Group Pages (Tools -> Communication -> Group Pages) to work with your group on organizing the project: Parent Guide. Set up a Skype chat to decide who will contribute what to the project. Decide who will create the Google Sites website template and invite each member to join the page. You may want to have team leaders for each project, etc…

Step Four: Access the Google Sites page to work on your collaborative page for the Parent Guide and add your content. Work with your group to edit your Parent Guide until all are satisfied.

Step Five: I plan to access your webpages directly for grading purposes. You will need to post your team's URL on the Discussion Forum so all Parent Guides may be accessed by the entire class. Be sure to post a response to the other group websites.

Step Six: Using the Effective Collaborator Rubric for Group Project Evaluation form found in the Assessments folder, reflect on both peer and individual collaborative project participation. Instructions for completing and posting the Effective Collaborator's Rubric are listed below:

My Group's Work:

Online Learning: The Virtual Environment and Tools

Virtual learning environments are the basis for online learning (or e-learning), and can also be utilized in a face-to-face classroom, to create a "blended learning" environment. Through the use of Web 2.0 applications and a learning management system, students have access to assignments, resources, grades, assessments, other students and the instructor. Lessons may be presented through assigned readings, interactive websites, videos, or slideshows. Virtual learning environments also have a social space where students can interact by communicating and collaborating with other students and the teacher, to share and discuss the learning.

The tools used in virtual learning environments include Web 2.o applications, along with a learning management system, (which create the virtual classroom) web pages, email, message boards and discussion forums, text and video conferencing, shared diaries, online social areas, as well as assessment, management and tracking tools.

Advantages of Online Learning

-Schedule Flexibility

· School work can be scheduled around family and job commitments

· Students can work at their own pace

· Student collaboration through Discussion Boards, Blogs, and Wikis can be done at a times that are convenient

-Course Options

· Greater variety of courses are available in the online environment

· Schedule conflicts eliminated

-Flexibility of study location

· Students can study wherever they have Internet access

· Costs of student commute to school is often eliminated

· Inclement weather will not cancel an online class

-Development of 21st century skills

· Students practice real-world technology and communication skills that will better prepare them for the future

· Student-centered educational model of online learning promotes responsibility and self-discipline

Overcoming Challenges of Online Learning

-Lack of face-to-face interaction with the course instructor

· Students must be proactive and communicate questions or concerns using email, text messaging, or Skype.

-Lack of face-to-face interaction with classmates

· Group projects utilizing PB Works or Google Sites provide online learners with opportunities to collaborate and build social connections during group projects. Students are encouraged to communicate with classmates using email, text, phone calls, Skype group calls, and the discussion board.

-Time Management Issues

· Students who are having difficulty adjusting to the flexible nature of online learning may require some parental support and encouragement to stay on schedule with their course work.

-Technology Issues

· Student must have access to fast, reliable Internet connections

· Students may lack the skills to solve technology problems that arise

· Lab work may be done virtually as simulations

Determining Learner Readiness

-Personality traits of Successful Online Students:

· Independent learner

· Self-motivated learner

· Strong time management skills

-Student abilities possessed by Successful Online Students:

· Strong organization skills

· Effective Literacy skills

· Computer proficiency skills

-Access to Technology:

· Appropriate technology hardware

· Adequate Internet Access

-The SORT Assessment to determine readiness:

Have the student take Dr. Lynn Schrum’s SORT--Student Online Readiness Tool

What Parents Can Do to Support their Learner

Assist in creating a time management plan
Monitor course work
Track student progress
Stay in contact with course instructor
Support student throughout course

Access Information for Parents

Parents will have access to students scores on assessments and projects, as well as contact information for the instructor. As with a "regular classroom", you would not attend class with your student, and online learning is the same, in that the student should be able to complete all assignments and projects independently (or with a group, if indicated). If they have questions, or need more information, they can contact the instructor for clarification or assistance.

My Scenario:

The parent guide will explain to parents everything they need to know to help their student be successful in our online Literature Circle.

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