K-12 Virtual Education - Making Sense of Online Curriculum Development & Virtual Teaching

I must say for a textbook this is a gripping read! Lynnette Porters "Developing an Online Curriculum" is in a class of its own. It is perfectly evident that a lot of thought went into the building of this very practical text. If you are a teacher or are planning to have anything to do with online education you must give this one a go! Porter methodically takes you on a journey behind the scenes in Online Education. Understanding the thought process behind creating online curriculum helps you develop an appreciation for the lengthy process of online delivery from creation to teaching and learning.

So much will be learned in the arena of online learning in the next 20 years. We will inevitably be in a very different place but I do believe that many of the core ideas raised in Porters book will stand the test of time.

"Interaction and socialization are keys to effective online education."

Incredibly throughout her book she references how to best deliver the materials you create. This focus is of course so very important as creating content that is not practical and has no benefit for the learner is a waste of time. Her emphasis on creating social and interactive online experiences shoes her dedication to effective teaching practices.

Porters text is not a boring regurgitation of technical verbage!. Her use of straightforward language makes this text a hugely user friendly guide! She offers tools to enable successful online teaching practice. She covers everything from teachers roles, learning styles, online communications, facilitating chat rooms, class projects and more. Her detailed sections on teacher student communications would benefit any teacher online or otherwise.

I have developed online classrooms and I found this book to be an absolute gem. It really had me understand all that I must encompass in my own online teaching practice to successfully and effectively share knowledge.

Often textbooks covering specialist subjects become an ego trip for the author. It is entirely refreshing to see experts understanding that everyone would like the opportunity to use the information they are sharing! Thanks Lynette for keeping it real and useful.