EdWeek+Webinar

E-learning’s Role When the Flu or Other Emergencies Strike

 * http://www.edweek.org/ew/collections/flu/index.html
 * http://www.blackboard.com/Company/Education-Continuity/Solutions-by-Market/K-12.aspx

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. EdWeek conducted a webinar on this topic.

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

p.s. I have attached the PowerPoint presentation from the Oct. 8 webinar below.
 * [[file:flu_webinar.pdf]]