e-Learning for Kids
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Goal of this Presentation
Make it easier for you to succeed with EFK
• Highlight common challenges faced by schools and organizations implementing e-Learning for Kids (EFK)
• Convey best practices
• Point to resources which can help you further including the detailed EFK
Implementation Guide available at
Background on
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Background on e-Learning for Kids
• e-Learning for Kids (EFK) is a global, non-profit foundation
• Goal is to provide children with free, high quality digital learning lessons
• Lessons are for children aged 5-12 • Since 2005, 15 million children
have used EFK lessons
• EFK collaborates with schools, foundations, governments, and
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Background on e-Learning for Kids
• U.S. Dept. of Education studies: e-learning is highly effective • Access free lessons and learn more at our site
http://www.e-learningforkids.org/
• Subjects covered: Math, Science, Language Arts, Health, Environmental Skills, Computer Skills and Life Skills
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EFK lessons are easy to use, online and free
But there can be implementation challenges
Setting up a learning lab Engaging stakeholders
Few people with technology skills Keeping PCs safe / secure
Need guidance on lesson planning Lack of fast / reliable Internet
Environment tough on technology Need help tracking benefits of EFK
Recurring Activities Planning for Implementation Setting up Computing Environment
Using EFK in the Classroom
Planning for
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Planning for Implementation
Implementation Challenge
“The learning software is easy to get, but it can be difficult to put together the other things needed: computers,
equipment, and a place to learn”
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Planning for Implementation
Minimum requirements for a “learning lab”
Create a safe, reliable and comfortable place for students to learn by setting up required infrastructure and technology
Weatherproof structure
Air conditioning or ventilation
Reliable electricity
Furniture and lighting
Modern personal computers
(For online use) Local area network10
Planning for Implementation
Implementation Challenge
“Some school administrators can be resistant to change. If you don’t have them as partners, the effort won’t
succeed”
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Planning for Implementation
Engaging stakeholders in learning
Working with administrators
• Carefully explain benefits of EFK
• Be mindful of local context and curriculum • If working in schools, an engaged school
administrator is essential
Working with teachers
• “Ideal” teacher: motivated, focused on student success, open to technology
• Introduce EFK with the Guided Tour and
Effective Use of EFK web-lessons
• Let teachers explore / decide how to use
Working with parents
• Kids’ enthusiasm for learning is the biggest factor in parents embracing EFK
Setting up the Computing
Environment
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Setting up the Computing Environment
Implementation Challenge
“Our computers broke down and our people weren’t prepared to support technology.”
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Setting up the Computing Environment
Plan ahead for
computer
problems
Technical Support
• Identify a hardware and software tech support contact per location
• Communicate the issue-reporting process • Provide IT training materials to support staff
Computer Setup • Setup new, refurbished, or donated PCs
that meet EFK technical requirements • Show teachers how to use them
• (Optional) Install networking equipment and verify the Internet connection is working
• (Optional) Setup a file and printer sharing server
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Setting up the Computing Environment
Implementation Challenge
“Kids with computers will constantly change settings, do things they shouldn’t, and download viruses”
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Setting up the Computing Environment
Make it safe and secure
Enable automatic operating system updates
Update all third-party applications
Install anti-virus and security software such as Microsoft EMET
Login with normal user (non-administrator) accountsFollow security best practices to protect the learning lab computers from hackers and malware.
Using EFK in the
Classroom
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Using EFK in the Classroom
Implementation Challenge
“What is the best way to include EFK courses in my lesson planning?”
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Using EFK in the Classroom
Integrate EFK with classroom lessons
• Teachers can map curriculum lesson plans to the skills taught in specific e-learning lessons
• E-Learning lessons can be:*
-
Classroom activity-
Homework-
Extra credit-
After-school activity-
Challenge work for students who are ahead-
Catch-up work for students who need more help20
Using EFK in the Classroom
Implementation Challenge
“Our schools don’t have fast or reliable Internet access to use the e-Learning for Kids web site.”
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Using EFK in the Classroom
Choose how to access EFK courses
Use EFK online if:
Internet connection is reliable
Internet speeds are fast
Computers are up-to-date and run supported softwareUse EFK offline if:
EFK is pre-loaded onto the computers
Computers are older or run unsupported software23
Recurring Activities
Implementation Challenge
“Our computers were damaged by heat, humidity and pests. The local power supply was unstable.
After a year, 90% of the PCs had failed”
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Recurring Activities
Computer repairs and updates
An IT professional should check all PCs deployed in your learning lab annually, or every 3-6 months in harsh environments.
Clean hardware of dust and debris
Inspect hardware for damage; replace faulty components
Test local network equipment and Internet connection
Test EFK learning software for correct operation
Install missing software updates and video / audio drivers25
Recurring Activities
Implementation Challenge
“We aren’t sure how to track the benefit to our students and teachers of digital learning”
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Recurring Activities
Measuring progress
A method for measuring progress could include the following steps:
Assess student mastery of subjects Reassess student progress Survey students about EFK
Ask teachers for improvement ideas Discuss with parents Prepare progress report
Before EFK After EFK Annually
• Analyze progress • Summarize feedback • Recommend changes
Getting Help and
Support
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Getting Help and Support
e-Learning for Kids http://www.e-learningforkids.org/
e-Learning for Life Sister site to EFK for learners aged 13+
http://www.e-learningforlife.org/
EFK Offline Access http://www.e-learningforkids.org/offline-access/
How to Use EFK FAQ http://www.e-learningforkids.org/how-to-use/
“Effective Use of EFK” course
http://lessons.e-learningforkids.org/efk/Courses/EN/Effective_Use/player.ht ml
EFK Guided Tour
http://lessons.e-learningforkids.org/efk/Courses/EN/Implementation/Guided_ Tour/Guided_Tour.htm
“Safe Internet Usage” course
http://e-learningforlife.org/Courses/Safe%20Internet%20Usage%20 Parents/player.html
EFK Implementation Guide
http://lessons.e-learningforkids.org/efk/Courses/EN/Implementation/E FK_Implementation_Guide.pdf
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Closing Thoughts
• EFK digital lessons are easy to use, online and free
• However, organizations can expect some implementation challenges
• Planning ahead maximizes the impact e-learning can make
• Consult the resources described above, and please be in touch!
