According to the Michigan Department of Education, an on-line learning experience is “a structured learning activity that utilizes technology with Intranet/Internet-based tools and resources as the delivery method for instruction, research, assessment and communication.” High-quality on-line courses should help students in the following ways:
- Develop Lifelong Learning Skills. As much as students need knowledge in core subjects, they also need to know how to keep learning continually throughout their lives. Lifelong learners have information and communication skills; thinking and problem-solving skills; and interpersonal and self-directional skills.
- Teach the Use of Technology Tools. In the digital world, students need to learn to use the tools that are essential to everyday life and workplace productivity.
- Align with state curriculum standards. The on-line courses or on-line experiences should be aligned with state curriculum standards, benchmarks and expectations — in other words, students should be able to get credit for their work and the work should prepare students for success in college, the workplace and life.
- Educator, Expert and Student Involvement. Students learn best in an on-line learning environment when they can interact with teachers, other adult experts and with other students. On-line courses that use high-quality instruction and design standards, and use lots of different audio and vidual audio features can be more engaging for students.
- Sustained Learning. Meaningful on-line learning activities usually need time for students to practice using technology tools, explore the virtual learning world and get comfortable operating in this space.
Source: Michigan Department of Education