enhancing quality in k-12 online learning: course reviewing through a project-based partnership
DESCRIPTION
Enhancing quality in K-12 online learning: Course reviewing through a project-based partnership. Virtual School Symposium 2010. Jason Huett, Kim Huett, Steve Thompson, Aaryn Schmuhl, Justin Castile, and Sharon Synan. Who We Are. University of West Georgia Jason Huett Kim Huett. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Enhancing quality in K-12 online
learning: Course reviewing through a
project-based partnership
Jason Huett, Kim Huett, Steve Thompson, Aaryn Schmuhl, Justin Castile, and Sharon Synan
Virtual School Symposium 2010
Who We Are
University of West Georgia Jason Huett
Kim Huett
Henry County SchoolsSteve Thompson
Aaryn Schmuhl
Justin Castile
Georgia Department of EducationSharon Synan
Jason
1.Need for Project
2. Project Design
3. Outcomes from “Round 1”
4. Future Iterations
5. Questions & Discussion
Presentation Structure
Wiki Overlayvss2010.wikispaces.com
Kim
Preparing Teachers for the Future
Authentic Learning Experiences
Course Feedback to LEA Teacher Designers & Administrators
Improving Courses Along with Student Experiences and Student Outcomes
1. Need for Project
Jason, Steve, Aaryn, Justin
A. Management
B. Courses Reviewed
C. Participants
D. Phases 1, 2, 3, and 4
E. Wiki as Collaboration Space
2. Project Design
Kim
33 graduate students reviewed 9 online courses.
2.A Management
1 professor (university)
1 project manager (university)
1 blended middle school principal (LEA)
1 online academy director (LEA)
1 technology support specialist (LEA)
Kim
2.B Courses Reviewed
Luella Middle School Henry County Online Academy
6th Science (3)
6th Math (3)
6th Agriculture Science (3)
7th Language Arts (3)
8th Social Studies (3)
English 4 (4)
US History (3)
English 1, Team A* (3)
English 1, Team B* (3)
World History, Team A* (4)
World History, Team B* (4)
Reviewed 1 semester of each course.
Number in parentheses = number of graduate student reviewers on team.Kim
2.C Participants
12 teachers ( teaching 9 courses)
33 graduate student reviewers
Aaryn, Steve, Jason
2.D.1 Project Phases
Phase 1 – individual reviewing Graduate student reviewers review
course using 2 instruments: Content Alignment Document to determine to
what extent course addressed Georgia Performance Standards (GPS)
National Standards of Quality for Online Courses (modified)
They post reviews to group wiki page.
Kim
Sample instruments posted to VSS Wiki Overlay.
2.D.1.a GPS Content Alignment Instrument
MSAGED6-2: Students will express an understanding of the history of American agriculture.
a) Specify and explain the role of agriculture in the formation of the US.
Kim
For each standard and element (criterion)…
…reviewers would indicate whether the course covered the standard, and if at the appropriate level of Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy.
“Understand” Level
2.D.1.b National Standards of Quality for Online Learning
Kim
Standard (# criteria) Example Criterion from Standard
Content (12) A4. The course content and assignments are of sufficient rigor, depth, and breadth to teach the standards being addressed.
Instructional Design (16)
B2. The course is organized into units and lessons.
Student Assessment (7) C3. Ongoing and frequent assessments are conducted to verify each student’s readiness for the next lesson.
Technology (7) D7. The course utilizes appropriate content-specific tools and software.
21st Century Skills (1) F1. The course intentionally emphasizes 21st century skills in the course….
Instrument uses a scale from 0 (absent) to 4 (no improvement needed).
2.D.2 Project Phases
Phase 2 – social processing
Reviewers study groupmates’ Phase 1 feedback on same course.
Reviewers discuss findings with group.
Reviewers adjust individual Phase 1 documents on wiki, as needed.
Kim
2.D.3 Project Phases
Phase 3 – synthesizing & presenting
Reviewers analyze their Phase 2 discussions and identify themes related to these four areas: Content Instructional Design Student Assessment Technology & 21st Century Skills
Reviewers create an online audiovisual presentation to share synthesis with client (using VoiceThread).
Kim
2.D.4 Project Phases
Phase 4 – reflection Reviewers view final presentations of
all other groups (in same semester);
Reviewers identify themes across all course reviews and reflect on value of project as well as recommend adjustments.
Kim
2.E Wiki as Collaboration Space
Rationale for Using Wiki Online Review Project Wiki
Jason, Kim
Preparing Teachers for the Future
Authentic Learning Experiences
Course Feedback to LEA Teacher Designers & Administrators
Improving Courses Along with Student Experiences and Student Outcomes
3.A Outcomes, “Round 1”
Jason, Steve, Aaryn, Justin
3.B Ongoing Research
Research & Data Analysis
Descriptive Analysis of National Standards Instrument
Qualitative Coding of VoiceThread Audio and Textual Data
Qualitative Coding of Post-surveys
Jason
4. Future Iterations
Course review to continue
Less emphasis on state standards, more on design
Reviewer video walk-throughs
Bite-sized professional development
Stronger ties between graduate student reviewers and teacher designers
Jason et al.
5. Questions & Discussion
All
Thank you!Jason Huett – [email protected]
Kim Huett – [email protected]
Steve Thompson – [email protected]
Aaryn Schmuhl – [email protected]
Justin Castile – [email protected]
Sharon Synan – [email protected]