To be instructional, a site needs to have all of the components that are found in any standard learning environment, including rich content and management. Content needs to include more than posting a lesson and having an assignment e-mailed to the teacher. It requires careful planning with objectives, outcomes, organization, appropriate material, and a delivery system that is effective and easy to use. System management includes all of the design elements combined with the delivery system. In most cases content, assignments, discussion, communication, and administration are delivered over the Web. Learners are expected to be self-motivated and share a responsibility for their learning.

When this type of organizational structure is followed, the Web can be transformed into a bona fide interactive learning environment. To this end there are several Web sites that can serve as models when designing Web-based learning spaces.

Virtual Classrooms

CalState Teach

California State University offers a teacher certification program to applicants who have a bachelor's degree and have passed the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST). The program is specifically beneficial to those who have emergency teaching certificates and want to gain full certification. With that in mind, coursework is designed around classroom experiences. Participants use web, print and CD-ROM materials. They share ideas through web-based “class discussions,” and get professional feedback through on-site coaching.

Content Management Systems

There are a variety of content management systems available for school districts. In 1998, I cobbled together open source software to create a virtual learning environment for a consortium that include the Columbus Education Association, Ohio Education Association, and The Ohio State University. In 2003, I became system administrator for Blackboard at Columbus City Schools, Ohio. In addition, I had the opportunity to use Moodle. During this same time, I completed three facilitation courses, developed content, and taught classes for 1) PBS Teacherline 2) eTech Ohio, and 3) Educational Development Center. So, I know both the technical and the educational content side of virtual classrooms. Content management systems are great tools, but without content, they are useless. Think about how you plan to add content to your management system. You can create the content or purchase modules from third party vendors. At Columbus City Schools, we had an EETT grant that gave us the flexibility to have math content custom made. We also created our own content to supplement the virtual high school and elementary math. Creating content required lots of people resources and some understanding of curriculum design.

Blackboard

If you can type you can use this tool. Simply fill in some preliminary information about your course and select a color scheme. Then, work through all of the control panel selections to set up announcements, discussion boards, course content, assignments, registration features, and more. This is a very slick and easy-to-use interface.

Desire2Learn

Brightspace By Desire2Learn™ (Sparks) is a suite of products and services developed to meet the specific needs of K-12 educators. Sparks brings eLearning opportunities to all sizes of schools and ages of students. They also have a team to create customized content.

Moodle

If you are on a budget and your district has a server, then Moodle is the way to go. It is open source software and it's free. It took me about a half hour to set it up with a connection to a Mysql database. There are loads of plugins for adding additional features to your site. It's also easy for teachers to use once you have provided them with some professional development.

Discussion Board, Chat, Whiteboard
This area is the communication command center. Students can introduce themselves, topics can be discussed, and collaboration on group projects can take shape in real time.

Instructor Contact (Email)
Email is an ideal way to privately communicate with the instructor.

Evaluation Center
Surveys, evaluations, and grades can be posted in this area.

Technical Help
Information about the kind of computer and software that are needed is generally posted in this area along with any step-by-step instructions.