Research shows significant advantages to the use of on-line courses. Removing physical and time restraints, web-based education permits the teaching-learning process to occur at any time and place. It tends to promote a constructivist approach that allows for more student-centered instruction and deeper and richer learning (Review of Literature by Ruchti and Odell, 2002).
Learner isolation, however, has been cited as barrier to effective on-line learning (Ruchti and Odell, 2002). In addition, an evaluation of a multi-year professional development program for principals in Ohio concluded that a high quality web site by itself is not sufficient to ensure its effective use. The study found that hands-on experience and practice on the site by its intended users plus close monitoring of user problems and quick response to these problems must also be in place to ensure the site’s success (Beebe et al., 2002).
To combat learner isolation, build a community of learners focused on the essential www.mdk12.org web site content, and provide the needed support, the Center for Leadership in Education at Towson University (CLE) was contracted by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) to develop and implement a professional development program. The training was designed to build school and school system capacity to use the content of the on-line data analysis course effectively and to capture the power inherent in this structured and sequential content.
Members of the initial implementation team were Dr. Michael Hickey, Ms. Dori Novak, Dr. Lani Seikaly, and Dr. Ronald Thomas who worked with the guidance of Dr. Mark Moody, Assistant State Superintendent of Schools.
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