Dr. Carmen Gonzales introduced us to a variety of advocates to eLearning from Kentucky, New Mexico, Hawaii and other areas.
Our introduction to NACOL was provided by Bruce Friend, who shared with us an overview of the national learning trends in online learning. His background with what became Florida Virtual School began in 1996! Bruce expressed that he is pleased to see the work in New Mexico and the parterships, sharing, and collaboration that develops through events like the Virtual School Symposium. He reminded us that we are going to have to take innovative leaps toward transformational development. If you were to paraphrase his final message, you might say "If all we are going to do is replicate what already exists, we shouldn't even waste our time." Transform the system!
John Watson explained to us an overview of data from all states about the spread and growth of online programs. Right now it seems that reporting is an area where all states and districts need improvement. Overall there is so much diversity in types of programs that it complexifies the overall reporting process. Along with this was a discussion of Colorado's experiences and lessons learned through the Trujillo Commission.
Dr. Kemi Jona brought to our meeting an up to date overview of science labs and online learning. WOW. As a person with a science content teaching background I can honestly say I am amazed by the possibilities. The rapid development of remote experimentation, science data networks, and internet connected science devices. The partnerships in place at Northwestetrn in Chicago involve global parterships. He pointed out the relationships within NM that support this type of science instruction development (LANL, NASA, SNL and the universities). My own reflections on this connect to the ability for teachers to connect their students to authentic, real world science with a collaborative and global focus. Students must be able to practice the processes of science. This speaks volumes about the need for professional development in online learning which is content specific.
Jennifer Carroll from Kentucky Virtual Schools offered an overview of the statewide learning network development and where the network is now. Kentucky has extended their network from K20 into lifelong learning and established important professional networks to allow for communities of eLearning practice. She highlighted the importance of a common ground CMS as a way share resources, training, and resources. It also supports the dual-credit options and blended course development.
Wow. Great start to the conference & the conversations that must continue!
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