Learning continuity is the process of maintaining learning in a crisis situation caused by a natural disaster or other precipitating factor. Continuity is vitally important because it focuses on maintaining the core function of education: providing students with the opportunity to learn.

Online learning is proven to be highly effective and ideal for students when they can't participate in person.

DOE recommendations suggest that educators prepare take-home assignments in advance for distribution to affected students and use the Internet and telephones to post homework materials, conduct classes, share information and keep teachers, parents and students in close touch.

iCORE and School Town's K-12 online learning and collaboration platform substantially exceeds DOE recommendations.

The time to develop an instructional continuity plan for an H1N1 outbreak is before it hits. Your goal is to develop a method to continue your class in the event that students are restricted from coming to class for a week or longer. Many technologies can help but online learning is the best approach.

iCORE and School Town can be implemented in days and requires minimal technology expertise.

Education that includes at least some online work is more effective than classroom-only teaching, according to a major research done for the Department of Education. The report concludes: “On average, students with online learning performed better than those receiving only face-to-face instruction.”

Web 2.0 tools such as chat and forums provides students with opportunities for expanding collaboration skills at a higher level than ever before. Community building tools are extremely useful if students can't attend class. iCORE and School Town's web 2.0 tools are highly secure and teacher moderated.

President Obama challenged the nation to improve student achievement. At the core of these reforms is an emphasis on 21^st century teaching and learning in which technology is used in the most effective ways possible.

The VOISE Academy in Chicago is a shining example of a high tech school with no textbooks and 1-to-1 computer initiative. VOISE combines the best distance learning practices and quality online curriculum with exemplary classroom teachers and student-centered philosophy. The VOISE Academy is ideally suited to deal with H1N1 issues. Visit www.voiseacademy.org for the Case Study.