E-Learning

BRIEF SUMMARY

E-learning refers to any type of learning through electronic media, typically the internet. E-learning is learning utilizing electronic technologies to access educational curriculum outside of a traditional classroom. The delivery of a learning, training or education program by electronic means. E-learning involves the use of a computer or electronic device (e.g. a mobile phone) in some way to provide training, educational or learning material. ( Derek Stockley 2003). E-learning may be the way that school counselors access professional development opportunities without leaving their school building or student population.  E-learning may also be a way for sick students to continue their studies or keep up with current coursework from home or a healthcare setting.  E-learning also provides opportunities to take classes and subject matter that is unavailable at their school or in their local area. E-learning or “electronic learning” is an umbrella term that describes education using electronic devices and digital media. It encompasses everything from traditional classrooms that incorporate basic technology to online universities. Schools on Indiana can apply to be part of the eLearning Day Program, which enables schools to use eLearning Days on a day when school is cancelled, as a planned day, or as a make up day when a day of school was missed.

KEY POINTS

• eLearning Days may be used on a day when school is cancelled, as a planned day, or as a make up day when a day of school was missed. There are a variety of reasons a school/corporation would use an eLearning Day. These include, but are not limited to, snow or other inclement weather, professional development, parent conferences, widespread illness, and flooding (https://www.doe.in.gov/elearning/elearning-day-program).
• School counselors may find themselves providing school counseling in a virtual or on-line school.  These counselors provide the same comprehensive school counseling program through the use of technology and distance (virtual/online/e-learning) counseling with the same standards and adherence to ethics as school counselors working in traditional school settings.
• E-learning may provide opportunities for students to continue their education or access post-secondary education that may otherwise have a difficult time doing so.
• E-learning days are often provided in schools as ways to mandate or encourage professional development (see Shared Wisdom section below).
• E-learning is a great way for school counselors to access professional development without leaving their school or their students.

RESOURCES

• Definitions for Commonly Used Terms in Online Ed

• The Guidance Counselor’s Guide to On-line Learning 
• The School Counselor and Virtual School Counseling
• Counseling is a Virtual Experience for Students at On-line Schools 

SHARED WISDOM

• From Counselor Talk, January 2018:
  • Question: Looking for information from those counselors who have e-learning days at their school. What are you expected to do?  Do you have to go in? Is it made up at a different time? Do you post lessons?
  • Responses:
  • I work on scheduling and 504 plans and catching up on my notes
  • We haven’t had one yet but we are expected to come to one of 3 schools in our district to monitor students. We will open up those buildings for students without internet access. Lunch will be provided for them.
  • When school gets cancelled, we have an e-learning day and all teachers, counselors, etc work from home. Teachers post lessons and check in with students from 8:00-3:00. Counselors also work from home; we track what we work on during the day and submit it to our principal. It’s helpful to have work set aside at this time of year. For instance, I’m a middle school counselor, and on our last e-learning day which was at the beginning of the semester, I made schedule changes and contacted students; communicated with our district’s elementary counselors regarding upcoming 5th grade tours; updated course descriptions and course request Google Forms; worked on upcoming ISTEP schedule;watched a Moodle video on suicide prevention/intervention
  • I was able to create some resources for our PBIS plan, plan a schedule for WIDA testing and work on lesson planning

CONTENT FEEDBACK

If you have suggestions, feedback, or resources, please email counselor1stop@inspiresuccess.org and let us know.