eLearning eVolution

Can students learn literacy effectively in the virtual classroom? The answer is a resounding YES! And this blog entry, “Legitimate Literacy Instruction in the Virtual School,” explains how.

“I believe that because this literacy instruction and the overall course content is being delivered digitally, it is more engaging and authentic for the students than what they might encounter in the traditional classroom,” says Florida-based blogger J-Lang. He also makes the larger point that online instructors can work to improve literacy, regardless of their content area. In other words, it’s not just about reading.

As the Elluminate Goddess of Communication, I talk with a lot of customers, and I’ve heard first hand about the advantages of the virtual classroom from instructors and students for five years now.

In fact, one of our 2008 Elluminate Centers of Excellence, Broward County Public Schools, developed a pilot project to recapture those students who didn’t pass the FCAT (Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test) reading subtest. One of the results of the pilot was that the experience created life-long learners of many of the students, who are now seeking academic courses in the online format.

So keep on Elluminating!

- Beth, Elluminate Goddess of Communication

According to a recent article in eSchool News, a national survey suggests that K-12 educators should be using electronic gaming technology as an instruction tool to engage today’s students. Have to say I agree. It’s what today’s digital generation is requesting, if not demanding.

To help you get started, here’s an interactive recording from an Elluminate webinar, “Using New Technology, 3D Gaming, Simulation, and Virtual Environments in eLearning.”

Here’s another webinar recording, “iTunes U as an Exciting Learning Tool,” that explains how to leverage the popularity of podcasting to enhance learning.

These technologies are way cool, but I don’t suppose anyone says that any more!

- Beth, Elluminate Goddess of Communication

One of the early Elluminate case studies I developed was with Val Brooks of Stockton City Learning Centre in the UK. I was impressed, and so for the past four years I’ve been keeping up with all the creative programs Val and her colleagues have developed, like Maths in Motion and Rocks From Space.

Here’s an entry Val recently contributed as a new eTwinning ambassador in which she talks about some of her projects. BTW, the eTwinning concept is also pretty interesting. It’s an initiative that provides collaborative tools and access to experienced educational technology users like Val to enable schools throughout Europe to work together.

As you’ll see in the blog entry, Stockton CLC has created some case studies, videos, and presentations of their own to showcase these wonderful projects. Just go to the Stockton CLC VLE and login as a guest. Pretty cool stuff.

Keep on Elluminating!

- Beth, Elluminate Goddess of Communication