I agree with the article in that online education, especially in the K-12 setting needs to be developed so that it can be used effectively, and not become a "dumping ground" for credit recovery. From my personal observations, the cyber schools have not been effective for my students. They never complete the program and end up either dropping out or coming back to a traditional school. In contrast, my friend's daughter graduated from a nearby suburban high school where she took an online course in driver's education (the written part, of course). I think this is a great way to use online learning, as electives that may be too costly to run in a regular setting. I think we can with proper training and planning develop effective online learning in K-12 settings but these programs should not be implemented haphazardly.
Moller, L., Foshay, W. & Coleman, C., Huett, J.(September/October, 2008). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 3:K12). TechTrends, 52 (5), 63-67.
Laureate Education, Inc. (2008). Distance Education: The Next Generation featuring Dr. Michael Simonson. Principles of Distance Education. Baltimore: Author.
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pros and cons of virtual charter schools This article discusses the advantages of online charter schools such as the individualized,personalized education, and disadvantages such as taking monet away from public schools, and lack of social interaction.
online high school electives This is a link to an online program and describes what courses are offered through the program.
I agree with you that distance learning is not for everyone. It can be used as a dumping ground but the factors of over-population and not enough teachers can also be a leading factor. It is is easier to sit a studnet up with a DL class than to provide adequate face-to-face instructors. DO you think that this will continue in the future as schools progress with over-population?
ReplyDeleteMarcia
You brought up good points and because you have firsthand experience with students who, unfortunately, opted to leave school, other options are necessary. I could only imagine that if there were issues prior to the student leaving the traditional setting, there would be some frustration in isolation. I can recall the first course I had for my Masters, where I didn't know the expectations or how to go about get my work uploaded. I simply sat at the computer and cried, went to sleep and started on it the next day. That isn't going to be the case for every student, however and it's saddening.
ReplyDeleteIn our district overcrowding is not so much a problem as kids who just will not go to school. Some thing cyber school is an easy way out, then they find out that the grass is not always greener.
ReplyDeleteKiana,
ReplyDeleteOn Distance learning, I believe, but have no facts to back this up, that schools actually make it harder with assignments and tests online. The reason that I say this, I teach a ceratin course face to face and online at different times. The online version is pre-packaged and is defintely harder.
Marcia
I liked your connection with Driver's ed. If it is something that the student is interested in like driving, they are more likely to complete it. Online classes take such dedication and self discipline. Most teenagers lack that.
ReplyDeleteI agree. You definitely need to be goal-oriented to have the discipline to complete an online course. I can imagine this being especially hard for a high school student.
ReplyDeleteKiana,
ReplyDeleteA high school student might not have the metacognitive skills, patience or drive needed to complete an online class. Some adults even have problems with the dedication needed for an online class. Do you think that motivation and faculty monitoring are a way to improve their attendance?
Marcia
I think that just like with adults, there needs to be a level of intrinsic motivation and dedication. For some students, their home lives and outside influences take precedence over school. It's sad but true in some situations.
ReplyDeleteDo you have credit recovery in your school district? We don't, and I haven't heard of until recently. I personally against the idea. In my opinion it gives students the ability to slack off all year and then complete some online courses to pass the class. I don't agree with the message we are sending our students. What are your thoughts?
ReplyDeleteYes we have credit recovery, and it's a big joke. Ours is mostly in a face to face setting. We just began offering online CR last year to a small number of students. You wouldn't believe how large our summer school and credit recovery population is. Some kids will tell you, "I'll just take it in credit recovery."
ReplyDelete