Best Distance Learning Software Platform

Distance learning offers many advantages for K-12 educators and their students. Advanced or specialized classes can be made available to students throughout a school district with just a single teacher in a distance learning environment. Students with special needs or circumstances can keep up with their studies via distance learning. And students taking online classes learn not only the subject matter of the class but also technology skills that will make them more competitive as 21st century workers.

So what does it take for a school district to begin offering online classes? The first task is to choose the best distance learning software platform. Fortunately, this is not as difficult as it may seem. Educators should strive to meet three objectives: (1) select distance learning software specifically designed for K-12 education; (2) choose software rich in features and easy to use; and (3) choose the most cost-effective option. All three of these objectives are met by school districts that sign up to use the IQity Learning Management Suite.

Distance Learning for K-12

Distance learning began as a way of offering corporate training to workers at far-flung locations and was soon adopted by universities. Many distance learning software platforms were originally developed for these two predominant markets and have been tweaked for use by K-12 educators. However, the needs of adult learners are different from those of primary and secondary students. School districts should select a distance learning software platform designed by and for K-12 educators.

IQity meets this criterion. As an example of why the IQity distance learning software platform is superior, consider that it comes bundled with Reactor, a learning object repository filled with standards-aligned content for K-12 classes.

Teachers who need a graph, video, exercise, lesson, assessment Ð just about any content for the K-12 classroom -- can find it in Reactor. And since all Reactor content has been reviewed by education experts for standards-alignment, teachers can use it with assurance that it will help their students perform well on state achievement tests.

Versatile and Simple to Use

Award-winning content is just one of the features that make IQity a good choice as a distance learning software platform for school districts. Another is the built-in webcasting tool that allows teachers to address the entire class in real time, just as if they were in a traditional classroom. During a virtual classroom lecture, the teacher can use the online whiteboard to illustrate a point or solicit class participation.

Teachers can personalize assignments and tests to accommodate the learning styles of individual students. All it takes is a few clicks of the mouse. Many assessments can be automatically graded and the grades posted without additional work by the teacher. Students and their parents get quick feedback on their performance. Teachers can also see how long each student has been logged on to work on class content and can use the secure messaging system to communicate one-to-one with those enrolled in the class.

IQity is Free to Schools

It's important for school districts to have a comprehensive distance learning software platform that meets the needs of K-12 educators and students. But is it affordable? Good news: IQity is free to K-12 schools and school districts. To see how IQity can help your school, ask for a demonstration led by one of our elearning experts.