NACOL VSS 2007 Recap
This was one of the better conferences I’ve been to. There was a nice mix of topics for those just starting out new online school programs as well as some for the ‘grey beards’ in the group (those with 5 or more years experience in online schools). Here are a couple of highlights:
- Teacher Preparation: This topic came up over and over again – how the current teacher preparation programs in the United States fail (miserably, I might add) at preparing teachers for any type of online instruction at all. So – we’ve identified the problem. Now – anyone have a solution? Unfortunately the folks who can make this sort of change do not attend these types of conferences. Outreach is needed.
- Teaching 21st Century Skills: This – coupled with Web 2.0 technologies – was another repeating theme. The big difference between this year and last? Most people in the sessions I attended knew what wikis and blogs were this year. Last year? Eh- not so much. A praiseworthy presentation by Glen Moses (www.mrmoses.org) and his colelagues from Odyssey schools in Las Vegas. Glen used every 2.0/3.0 technology he could in order to present his ideas (Twitter, blogs, wiki, streaming video, etc.) rather than PowerPointing us to death. Intersting stat – one approximation was that only 25-30% of students take part in supplemental course activities such as participation in class-based social networking and blogging. Is this becasue it is “optional and supplemental”? Or because they aren’t interested in those activities?
- Tiny Food: Okay – it was not a topic, but it was a recurring theme. Both evening get togethers featured only appetizers – no sit-down meals to be had here!Â
- Teacher Training:Â This topic was very popular as well – mostly due to the dearth of teacher preparation 9see above).
- The need for data: Not just data – but consistent and equivalent data points that we can use to truly measure the effectiveness of programs. What is the real definition of “course completer”? How does a CAT test compare with a NY Regents? A centralized method to store and share this data as well was indicated.
- The need for randomized studies: The ‘gold standard’, as it was called at the conference. Where good data is present, using sound investigative experimental designs to measure the success (or failure) of online programs.
Date: November 9, 2007
Categories: Teacher Resources
GMail
Twitter
Del.icio.us
Facebook
YouTube
Skype/rob.letcher