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REMC Online Learning ExperiencesThrough the collaborative efforts of Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, the State Board of Education, and the State Legislature, landmark state graduation requirements are being implemented to give Michigan students the knowledge and skills to succeed in the 21st Century and drive Michigan’s economic success in the global economy.
One of the requirements is, beginning with the graduating class of 2011, that all high school students will have had a successful online learning experience. What is an online learning experience?
“A structured learning activity that utilizes technology with intranet/internet-based tools and resources as the delivery method for instruction, research, assessment, and communication.”
Research has shown that students are most successful in a teacher-led environment. Although a teacher-led course or experience is preferable, not all districts have this capacity, and district discretion will prevail.
It is encouraged that teachers will incorporate the Michigan Curriculum Framework, Standards for Teaching and Learning; higher order thinking, deep knowledge, substantive conversation, and connections to the world beyond the classroom, into the experience. It also places emphasis on the use of the global Internet, rather than a stand-alone software product.
Rationale for Online Learning
Completing a meaningful online learning experience in grades 6-12 with a specific emphasis at the high school level, will allow students to become familiar with a key means of increasing their own learning skills and knowledge. It will also prepare them for the demands that they will encounter in higher education, the workplace, and in personal life-long learning. While students informally develop technology skills and gain experience through their media-rich lives, an online learning experience will require them to complete assignments, meet deadlines, learn appropriate online behavior, and effectively collaborate with others in an instructional setting.
Michigan’s new online learning requirement is consistent with one of the core recommendations contained in the U.S. Department of Education’s 2005 National Education Technology Plan. According to this plan, schools should “provide every student access to e-learning.” The online learning requirement is also consistent with the State Educational Technology Plan adopted by the Michigan State Board of Education in March 2006. A key recommendation contained in this document states: “Every Michigan student will have meaningful technology-enabled learning opportunities based on research and best practice that include virtual learning experiences.” Providing a Successful Experience
It is clearly an opportunity for Michigan high schools to effectively use technologies in ways that provide successful “online learning experiences” that truly prepare learners for their future. Online learning should include a combination of technologies to create an experience that replicates real-world data gathering and application required in business and industry; thus preparing students with the skills needed for learning in the 21st century. There are three models in which a student can meet the online learning experience requirement
More information can be found at www.michigan.gov/highschool.
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