Running Head: CONTENTS ANALYSIS LEARNING TEAM C

Contents Analysis Learning Team C
Team C- Lindsey Berthiaume, Kizzy Crawford, Calvin Jones, Jared Mateaki
MADLX111 - EDTC570
University of Phoenix Online
April 28, 2004
Prepared for: Facilitator, Stephanie Jones

Contents Analysis Learning Team C
Introduction
This paper explores the topic and scope of a new distance learning and educational class for students who are experiencing difficulty in Basic Algebra. Accessibility by some students with disabilities is discussed as well. All of the students have shown poor Algebra related skills; however, most of the students show an aptitude for completing distance online classes. The class is designed to supplement instruction in an instructor led class with material that would assist the students with mastery in the “Basic Algebra” course.
Topic & Scope
Intervention in the learning process for failing Algebra students seems to be the most logical steps to take. Our topic is Web-based Basic Algebra instruction. Distance learning programs have been used successfully in other areas of instruction as well as courses in mathematics. The type of solution that we will utilize is a Web-based Distance learning program designed to address the needs of failing high school and home schooled students in the classroom. It is a viable alternative to facilitating Algebra courses in the classroom, and it is the one we, team C purpose.
1. Class Setting
• The class setting is an online classroom powered by Blackboard that students will plug into to complete Basic Algebra (learning requirements) to complete a GED or high school diploma.
2. Characteristics of Instruction
• The instruction shall be delivered in an asynchronous learning environment; there will be facilitation by an accessible course instructor.
3. Instructor-Led/Self -Paced
• The instruction shall utilize components of both instructor led and self -paced course learning.
4. Tools needed for instructional requirements, Constraints
• The course is available to remedial high school Algebra students, and GED candidates. The Department of Education shall make available an instructor, online server, course materials, tools and an on site classroom. Blackboard is the vendor selected to deliver the course contents to students in the distance-learning environment. Once a year, the course will be reevaluated to determine its validity.
Accessibility
Blackboard is the Vendor selected for their instructional facilitation and training capability. This vendor is a leader in the field of course authoring and delivery and offers a variety of features allowing students and facilitators to interact in an asynchronous manner. The team’s instructional training material can be accessed by logging onto their web site. The web site is available to persons with physical impairments, and too, the site is available anywhere there is an Internet connection for learners desiring to access the course contents. To access the course students needs prior authorization, a login name, and pass code. The content provider has the capability to address the needs of hearing and deaf impairments, learning disabilities, physical impairments, psychological disabilities, and visual impairments.
To ensure success in the global market Blackboard offers a suite of solutions to enhance the learning experience. The following impacts are realized from utilizing the Blackboard Learning System (Blackboard, 2003):
• Flexible Instructional Tools - Blackboard solutions provide a rich feature set that enables teachers to engage students of different learning styles and accomplish a variety of educational goals.
• Advanced Administration Functionality - Blackboard’s commitment to interoperability standards such as SIF, means that is data can be easily shared with other data analysis and SIS systems currently used by your district.
• Enterprise Architecture - Blackboard Solutions provide the scalability, reliability, and security required to operate a mission-critical learning environment.
The Blackboard Learning System™ and Blackboard Portal System™ are designed to help educators address many of the challenges and goals outlined in NCLB… more than 1,000 districts across the country currently harness the power of Blackboard K-12 Solutions (Blackboard, 2003).
Reference:
Blackboard (2003). Meeting The Challenges and Goals of No Child Left Behind. Blackboard Inc. Retrieved April 22, 2004 from: http://www.blackboard.com/docs/k12/NCLB.pdf