E-Learning's Role When the Flu or Other Emergencies Strike

[Craig Stone]

Concerns about school closings or significant absences caused by the H1N1 flu virus are pushing schools to use technology more heavily in their day-to-day activities and explore creative ways of ensuring continuity of learning. Some schools with e-learning tools or programs already in place are expanding or expediting their use. Such tactics are also being considered for use during closings prompted by hurricanes, snow, or other situations.

On Thursday Oct. 8 we conducted a webinar on this very topic, with great success. We had great guests who provided excellent content:

* Susan D. Patrick, president and chief executive officer, International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL)
* Debra S. Munk, principal, Rockville High School, Maryland
* Alice E. Owen, executive director of technology, Irving Independent School District, Texas

You can view the free on-demand webinar here.

Debra S. Munk talked us through the steps Rockville High took when it was confirmed they had a case of "swine flu" among its student body (you can read more about her experience in her EdWeek Commentary article here: When the Swine Flu Strikes Your School). Her insights were interesting, and confirmed that the level of technology adoption to enable continuity of learning is high in some schools.

Susan Patrick was able to provide some excellent case studies where technology was enabling continuity of learning, most notably in Singapore during the 2005 SARS outbreak. A fine resource from Susan is here: http://www.inacol.org/col/.

Alice E. Owen told us about her Texas district's preparations, one piece of which i have pasted below:

* Student take laptops home
* Teachers use Blackboard to teach online
* Blogs, wikis, email to communicate
* TeleParent – automatic phone messages
* Twitter for district messages

So how is your district prepared to ensure continuity of learning? Are you as a school leader confident you are enabled technologically to react to emergencies or forced absences? Are you as an educator suitably trained to work on these technology platforms should disaster strike? Tell us more about your schools/districts preparations.

Discuss. Cheers.
Craig

p.s. I have attached the PowerPoint presentation from the Oct. 8 webinar below.

[Shana Glenzer]

At Blackboard, we're talking with districts across the nation and the globe who are using online learning to prepare for (and mass notification systems to communicate about) H1N1 and other issues that take kids out of the classroom. We set up a site that shares their stories and more information about how districts can provide uninterrupted learning regardless of their readiness level: www.blackboard.com/continuity/k12.

We're also hosting a webinar on the 22nd featuring a panel discussion about how districts are providing continuity of learning and keeping their community informed. Miami Dade (FL) and Clear Creek (TX) are participating and you'll have plenty of opportunity to ask your questions. Register here: https://blackboard.webex.com/blackboard/onstage/g.php?t=a&d=351....

Finally, keep sharing your stories with DD!! It may not seem important for you to do so, but districts are waiting to hear more...

Best wishes for a smooth Fall! Shana

[Craig Stone]

Hi folks, whilst browsing this morning i came across this post at the ed.gov blog. Take a look at what the VOISE Academy in Chicago is doing to promote continuity of learning. Very interesting post, with some good resources/URLs.

If you come across similar resources and posts, don't be shy about posting them here. I think there's a thirst for practical resources and information on COL, so let's see if we can build a cheat sheet/database of useful links.

Cheers
Craig