Charter Schools Play Offense

Ohio's method of funding its public schools has been in controversy for more than a decade. While many improvements have been made over that time, most agree that the system still needs to be fixed. Governor Ted Strickland ran on a promise to do just that. He's begun that effort with a tour of twelve cities where he's holding forums to hear expert advice.

Charter School Sponsor Urges Tweaking, not Torching

Apparently alarmed by news coverage of the Governor's forums, the sponsor of several charter schools is urging that the current system be retained and improved, rather than abandoned entirely. The Thomas B. Fordham Institute released a five-point plan it says will build on the current system, maximize the talents of each child, produce graduates who can compete in the global economy and close achievement gaps that persist for poor and minority students.

IQity Seeks Achievement for All

Without commenting on the strategies the Fordham Institute advocates, I will note that IQity shares these overall goals. They're expressed in our mission statement as "achieving an educational system in which all children can learn successfully, regardless of socio-economic status, geography, medical conditions, learning styles, or other historic barriers."

Online Classes Available after Hurricane

After ravaging a large part of Texas, Hurricane Ike continued its move inland and caused havoc as far north as Detroit. Particularly hard hit has been Ohio, where hurricane force winds knocked out power for nearly two million people. Hundreds of schools across the state have been closed for several days as utilities struggle to restore service.

IQity Still Online

Students enrolled in online classes that use the IQity Learning Management Suite can still do their schoolwork if they have electricity and internet access. Even if their home computer is without power, many students are able to study by taking a laptop to a WiFi location such as a coffee shop, or by using the computer at a library that has power. IQity's service is up and running, providing uninterrupted access to class materials for students and teachers.

IQity's Hosted Service a Boon to Schools

The widespread power outages caused by the storm are a reminder why a hosted LMS like IQity is a great choice for school districts. When you offer online classes, students need to be able to log in and work 24/7. If you host the LMS on your own server, you are responsible for keeping it up and running at all times, even when the power is out. Schools using IQity have not had to worry about that, because IQity takes care of keeping the system online. To see how your school can take advantage of IQity's hosted educational technology, request an online demonstration led by an elearning expert today.

Prepping for Graduation Tests

Although it's early in the school year, teachers are already thinking about preparing their students for the Ohio Graduation Test (OGT), which students must pass in order to receive their diploma. There are a variety of study guides available, including hard copy texts and online resources. To learn more about which choice is best for your students, see the article we've posted about graduation test study aids.

IQITY WORKS FOR ALL STUDENTS

On-line tools such as the study guide and practice test available from IQity are better than paper texts or e-books because students can access the information immediately, without a time consuming download, and are able to take practice exams and see the results quickly. The IQity study guide offers lessons and quizzes in mathematics, reading, writing, science, and social studies. Following each lesson and quiz is a separate practice test. By using the study guide, students learn the content and by practicing the exam they know what to expect on testing day and can take the exam with confidence.

Online schools as well as traditional brick and mortar schools use the IQity study guide and practice test because they meet the needs of students at different levels of content mastery. Teachers and parents can monitor a student’s progress in each of the five lessons. This allows an instructor to evaluate individual student's strengths and weaknesses and work with them accordingly.

E-Classroom Software Needs Variety

Every teacher knows that different students have different learning styles. Some are visual learners. Others need a hands-on experience. Some do best left to read and contemplate. How does on online class accomodate those differences?

A Media-Rich E-Classroom

Actually, an e-classroom can be ideal for allowing different students to pursue learning in their own way and at their own pace. The key is e-classroom software that offers content in a variety of media. See our article on choosing e-classroom software to find out how IQity's Learning Management Suite and our new Learning Object Repository together offer the choices your students need to succeed.

Course Management Software

Let's face it: despite the many successes of online education, some students struggle to succeed in an e-classroom. In many cases, a sense of isolation from the teacher and from other students is to blame. A good course management system should contain features that provide excellent connections among the participants in the learning process.

IQity Keeps Students In Touch

See our article on how to choose course management software for an analysis of what features help students identify with their school, classroom, teachers, and other students. IQity's learning management platform offers web-casting and messaging features that open communication links and promote engagement.