In order to fulfill the Online Experience requirement through incorporating the 20 hours of online learning experiences, it should be noted that quality online learning experiences have common characteristics and meet the Michigan Educational Technology Standards (METS). While each experience may not address every METS characteristic, it is assumed that upon completion of the minimum collective 20 hours of experiences, each of the following characteristics will have been represented:

Collaborative experience between students: All students are required to be involved in developing working relationships with an educator and other students online. Look for online collaboration tools, such as a learning management system that must also include collaborative tools such as discussions/forums, wikis, and Google Docs and Spreadsheets where students can work cooperatively, asynchronously and synchronously.

Integrated: Every experience is not only aligned with METS but must also be aligned to Content Standards that support and enhance your curriculum content.

Sustainability: The experience(s) must provide an opportunity to practice using technology tools, explore the virtual learning environment and develop a comfort level operating in this space. This requires a period of time and is not accomplished in just one experience.

Life-long Learning Skills: As a result of the online learning experiences, students will develop proficiencies for online learning throughout their lives. They will become life-long learners and will develop and embrace online skills through accessing, analyzing and evaluating information resources; incorporating communication skills; and practicing problem-solving, interpersonal and self-directional skills.

Teacher Involvement :The teacher is involved in the online learning experience in any of these ways: guiding, facilitating, designing, monitoring, providing feedback, interacting, supporting, assessing and mentoring the online learning experience.

Online Ethics & Safety: The teacher or online experience will include discussion of and access to information for students regarding issues of Internet safety, [Wiki link to Internet Safety]social networking, ethical responsibility, fair use and intellectual property rights (e.g. iSafe curriculum or participation, WebWise Kids CD Games, and NetSmartz Kids Real-life Video Resources).