The Virtual Learning MagnetUpdate

Deputies MeetingMarch 8, 2009

Update• The Concept• The Course• The People• The Platforms• The Partners• The Insights • The Future• The Contacts• The Questions

The Concept

• Virtual Learning Magnet– Anytime– Anyplace– Anyone

• Mass Customize the learning experience for every individual learner

The VLM4SSM

• Proof of Concept Physics with NASA– Spring ‘09– 50 students– AL, FL, GA, WV, NC, DE, KY, CT, DC

The Course

• Based on 8 “Big Ideas”Semi-linearStudent choiceCustomizedSelf-paced

• 2 “Repositories”ContentStudent evidence

• A “Connectivist” Approach

• Assessment– Rubric v. 2– Folio Beta version

The People

• The Kids– Experience level• varied

–Age level• 10 to 12th grade• MS

– International student body

• The Teachers

The Platforms

• Traditional TLM– Supported by WIN

• The ning– www.virtuallearningmagnet.ning.com– A closed social networking site

The Partners

• WIN (Worldwide Interactive Network)• Florida Virtual School• SEAs• NASA• The Smithsonian Museums

The Insights

• Modular course design is a breakthrough• Resource acquisition can be a “challenge”• Kids need help adjusting– (chats, direct communications, videos)

• Bumping up against technical limitations of TLM and ning

• Administrative time is significant– State communication– Learner and parent communication

• The course is a magnet– “I am a junior . . . really interested in cosmology, astronomy and

physics.I think it would be really beneficial for me to participate in the Virtual Learning Magnet for Space Science and Mathematics: Proof of Concept . . .

– Demet Kirmizibayrak – – Turkey

The Future

• Critical Resource Need– NASA grant

• Increased partnerships• Ready to go– More teachers– More students– More courses– More VLMs

The Contactshttp://www.nasa.gov/offices/education/programs/descriptions/Virtual_Learning_Magnet.html

http://www.ccsso.org/projects/Virtual_Learning_Magnet/

Tom Welch or Linda Pittengervlm@ccsso.org

The Questions

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