For the past two weeks, we’ve discussed distance learning in K12. We listed reasons alternative learning environments are needed for children grades 8th-12th and about what some students had to say about it in a recent survey done by Southern Regional Education Board (SREB). With so much talk about learner readiness, eLearningToolBox realized it was not only a challenge for colleges and universities but for secondary schools as well.
In February 2009, READI – Readiness for Education At a Distance Indicator was released. Publicly available to colleges and universities since 2003, it was time to create an in demand K12 version. In the summer of 2008, eLearningToolBox partnered with some K12 specialists to evaluate READI and determine what changes needed to be made to make it appropriate for secondary learners. Through that collaboration and additional research, READI Secondary is now available for use in grades 8th-12th. Mimicking its higher ed counterpart, READI is delivered in a custom user interface as a web based tool and includes 5 areas (listed below) to measure a student’s readiness for learning at a distance.
1. Personal Attributes – procrastination, motivation, willingness to ask for help, etc
2. Learning Styles
3. Technical Competency and Skills
4. On-Screen Reading Rate and Recall
5. Typing Speed and Accuracy
Since its launch, READI has already caught the eyes and ears of virtual schools in many states including Florida, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. All of whom are currently considering READI and how it may be of value to their distance learning program.
When asked about the secondary version of READI, Dr. Mac Adkins CEO of eLearningToolBox said, “With the growth of K12 distance learning, it only seemed natural to add a K12 version of READI. At conferences around the states, we got many requests for a secondary version of READI. Student need and the demand for such a tool led our decision to include the launch in our recent 6.0 version of READI. eLearningToolBox wants to be leading schools in their efforts to help students succeed!” To learn more about how READI can enhance your distance learning program and assist your students in success, call Julie at 334.356.8353 or email julie@eLearningToolBox.com.
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