Matthew Wicks

AM Keynote Session – Matthew Wicks
Realizing the Promise of Online Learning

K-12 online learning is growing rapidly throughout the United States. Implementations range from full-time cyber schools, to supplemental online programs, to a variety of blended learning options. However, not all online and blended learning programs are created equally. In this opening session, Matthew Wicks will draw upon his experience in K-12 online learning over the past 12 years to discuss some of the factors that contribute to quality online learning experiences that meet the needs of students.

•  Realizing the Promise of Online Learning

AM1 Session – Matthew Wicks
Starting an Online Program: First-Level Decisions

When starting an online program, there are a wide variety of decisions to make ranging from the online content that will be used, to the policies that need to put into place, to determining a marketing plan. The list of implementation or second-level decisions goes on and on. However, before those decisions are made, it is important to start with the first-level or strategic decisions that establish the context for implementing an online program. In this interactive breakout session, the important first-level questions will be identified and participants will have an opportunity to begin to identify possible answers to these questions.

•  Starting an Online Program: First-Level Decisions
•  Issues to Address

PM2 Session – Matthew Wicks
Starting an Online Program: Second-Level Decisions

The afternoon breakout session will be a continuation of the morning breakout session, but instead will focus on the second-level or operational decisions. Topic areas that will be discussed (time permitting) include Administrative Systems, Curriculum, Teacher Recruitment, Hiring, and Support, and Student Support. This session will focus on the types of questions that a program should be asking as they make decisions in these areas. Participants should come prepared with their questions.