Communicate: Identify Stakeholders 2.1.1

Communicate: Identify Stakeholders 2.1.1

Responsibility distribution in an online educational system has some significant differences than in the traditional f2f method. While the purpose of the roles remains mostly unchanged, the shift in responsibility places much more emphasis on the team approach, with the parent taking on more active roles than were required in the f2f educational model.  Instructors are less impeded by day-to-day behavior issues, and administration can focus more on the delivery of the content and the effectiveness of the teacher.  In the online school, the student is actively engaged in their educational experience.  While there are many stake holders affected by the process and out come of the educational process, such as local businesses, the community, churches, law enforcement, and those benefitting from the future tax base for local governments, the four major stake holders are described below:

Instructor-  Instructors prepare engaging content, communicate actively, gives plentiful feedback - both positive and complimentary as well as constructive in areas of weakness.  Modeling professionalism at all times, the instructor monitors student progress constantly and is regularly available to students.

Student- Students communicate proactively with the instructor with specific requests while maintaining an appropriate tone within the boundaries of school policy.  Students engage with their learning process frequently and regularly to meet the requirements of the course and respond appropriately to instructor feedback.

Parent- The transparency in the online model increases as parents are expected to take on the coaching role.  This role is one that makes the parent a key part of the student's success in an online educational program.  As coach, the parent or guardian provides the technology (hardware and software), environment,  and structured time for their child's educational process.  Parents have access to the content and are expected to guide and assist their child throughout the entire learning process.  All in all, parental involvement in the online education program are essential to student success.

Local School Administration- The oversight and steering for the online courses may be associated with local schools.  In this case, the administration serves as an additional point of contact for all involved.  Administrators monitor teacher quality and effectiveness by student results and the communication by all stakeholders.