Ready for a Virtual Course Management System?

SCHOOL districts; INTERNET in education; CURRICULUM

This article offers buyer's tips and details in depth the issues that U.S. school districts need to consider before deciding on the best e-learning platform for their education needs. Since they surfaced on college campuses a decade ago, online course management systems have grabbed the attention of the K-12 world. The first generation of systems, also called e-learning platforms, gave instructors a handy way to post homework assignments and supplemental sources on the network. Today's offerings provide educators with an e-parallel for practically every single facet of the face-to-face classroom. Many U.S. states and districts even use these systems to offer stand-alone courses, virtual schools, and professional development. The appeal is obvious. For starters, teachers can streamline classroom management functions, leaving more time for actual teaching in physical classrooms. They can also use the platform to complement classroom instruction and even tailor the curriculum for individual students, affording many students the opportunity to engage more fully in their own learning. This is especially true for those who benefit from working in environments with less distraction and social involvement, homebound students, students living in remote areas, and those looking for expanded learning opportunities. INSET: Open Source Options.