Elizabeth Wargo's List: dissertation_reference

Criteria for the evaluation of blended learning should include measures that capture the context and design of the learning as input variables, measures that capture key aspects of the process of learning as it occurs, and a variety of output measures that capture the impact of the learning. In this paper a particular approach is described which integrates these different sorts of variables through five different sources of data related to a model that relates course input, processes, and outputs.

Blended Learning-  is any time a student learns at least in part at a supervised brick-and-mortar location away from home and at least in part through online delivery with some element of student control over time, place, path, and/or pace.

It is one of the first studies to collect data on and compare fully online and blended learning (part online and part traditional face-to-face instruction) in K-12 schools. The distinction between fully online and blended learning is a most important refinement of previous studies on this topic.

So, it was with some relief that I found Michael Horn’s newest research last week that shows that there is some light at the end of the tunnel. “The Rise of K-12 Blended Learning”, co-authored by Heather Staker, confirms that 50% of all high school courses will be taught online by 2019, but adds this codicil; 90% of online courses will consist of blended learning at brick-and-mortar schools.

In Disrupting Class,* the authors project that by 2019, 50 percent of all high school courses will be delivered online. This pattern of growth is characteristic of a disruptive innovation—an innovation that transforms a sector characterized by products or services that are complicated, expensive, inaccessible, and centralized into one with products or services that are simple, affordable, accessible, convenient, and often customizable.

According to Horn & Staker (2011), “Technological advances both in and outside the United States should fuel these efforts. And though some states have policies in place that are conducive to digital learning, no state stands out as of yet for having organized to ignite a massive blended-learning transformation that brings about a high-quality, student-centric, more productive education system” (p.14) 

Evaluation refers to students' ongoing assessments of their knowledge or understanding, resources, tasks, and goals.

virtual learning environment broad definition and explanation 

dissertation definition for instruction

WVS global project page

World Virtual Schools Ning (old)

New World Virtual Schools Project

Elluminate recording for WVS meeting July 2011

Legal brief- recommendations for legislators for policy and need to be better informed