Transforming teaching and learning through innovative technology

Hi Everyone, Amber here once again,

I am sure some of you are already aware, but for those of you who are not, the National American Council for Online Learning (NACOL) just endorsed as of September 12, 2007 the new National Standards of Quality for Online Learning. You can download the 10 page document on their website here. A big thank you goes out to the Southern Regional Educational Board (SREB) and their Standards for Quality Online Courses, which was adopted as the primary source for NACOL’s standards.

This is a necessary measuring tool to be used to ensure that everyone is on the same page and is implementing best practices when it comes to online learning. Online learning is yet another avenue to access education, but in my opinion, should be dealt with in a similar manner as traditional learning methods. By setting forth a guideline of standards it eliminates potential for gray area.

I think we will also begin to see an increase in online course participation due to this. No longer will students be limited to a so-so education based on their geographic location. Everyone will have an equal opportunity for a quality education with notable instructors.

While I have your attention, I wanted to make you aware that the president of NACOL, Susan Patrick will be hosting a webinar in Elluminate called Virtual Schools: Trends, Benefits And Elluminate from 10:00-11:30am EDT on September 21, 2007 (this Friday!). I strongly encourage everyone to attend the panel discussion with virtual school administrators and teachers that will examine the trends and issues facing everyone. Leading practitioners from virtual schools across North America will be available to provide insights and discuss their experiences. Issues and trends ranging from student retention rates, to the measurement of impacts, to best practices and current trends will be covered. You can register to attend this free webinar here.

Oh, and don’t forget to stay tuned for Part II from 12-2pm EDT. This segment will focus on the Elluminate solution and how Elluminate can be incorporated into virtual school programs.

Hope to see ya there! Until next time bloggers…keep on bloggin’

Amber Koskela, Elluminate’s Online Marketing Associate