To begin, I was absolutely aware that the emergence of online learning was becoming more & more substantial; however I was not aware of this. According to the National American Council of Online Learning, on the “Top Ten Myths About Virtual Schools,” I was shocked to find out the following: “There are more than 500,000 enrollments in online courses across the U.S, in schools and districts, meeting rigorous state academic standards as virtual schools provide courses to students inside schools.”I would've never begun to even fathom these numbers. Per more research, (and as Gwen also mentioned on her own blog), I was also unaware that Michigan was the first state in the nation to pass an online learning provision. This was enacted when Former Michigan Governor, Jennifer Graholm was in office.
So, while I mentioned earlier that it was “more increasingly” schools in my state were utilizing methods of online learning. I had no idea that it was a requirement and that Michigan was actually the first state to enact this.
Another myth that I was intrigued to learn more about was “Myth 3” that Online courses lack interaction. It was really interesting to find the following:
Truth: Students typically have more one-on-one interactions with their teachers and fellow students in online courses, especially when team projects are assigned. Teachers report getting to know their students better, and students who are shy or do not think well “on their feet” tend to contribute more in online environments. Students are often actively interacting with both resources and others in online environments.
It is so profound to see Michigan leading such a national approach of online learning. Now, many other states have followed suit. According to Education Week in an article entitled “States Take Legislative Actions to Expand Virtual Ed.” Online and blended learning opportunities exist for at least some students in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, according to the 2011 edition of "Keeping Pace With K-12 Online Learning."
I was also very surprised to see how much one-on-one interaction the students receive with their teachers. Before I read the article I was really against virtual schools, but now I think it is very beneficial. Would you ever home school you own children?
ReplyDeleteNow, if this would've been some years ago, I would've probably said no altogether as I think students need face-to-face interaction for social engagement and more. However, today perhaps I would probably say yes, especially if
Deleteit further propels their learning skills and is aligned with their future goals. For online learning, that seems to be the case.
Erika, same question for you. Would you also home school
Deleteyour children? Do you believe it can be beneficial?
That was a myth I also had to mention--especially since students I have known over the last several years have complained about the degree to which they felt their online teachers "blew them off" when they tried to ask questions. I'm glad to know that isn't the case for most kids.
ReplyDeleteAs for homeschooling, which I see you and Erika were discussing, I've known very well-rounded, creative, intelligent kids who were homeschooled until they were enrolled in public high school. They were socialized through participating in sports, religious activities, and other extra-curricular stuff. What they missed out on over the years were all the daily pressures (and humiliations) experienced by their peers.
This is very interesting to note Rebecca. I certainly can see how being home-schooled might be beneficial for young students moving throughout the developement and learning stages within their educational careers.
DeleteE-learning will most likely become more popular, but at what cost? Children still need to learn people skills and how to enact with ours. These skill cannot be taught by be placed behind a computer for their K-12 education. Kids need to play and be outside to become and have a well rounded learning and growing experience in the journal to becoming an adult.
ReplyDeleteGerald, while I definitely understand where your coming from and see how this might be a concern. I also believe that students can have the best of both worlds in this area. Parents or teachers who home-schooled their children can effectively develop outside learning activities which will be very beneficial for students. For instance, they can have designated field trips among other extracurricular activities, so that they are not constantly bogged down with online learning alone.
DeleteI too have known some kids who have been home-schooled and have wanted to participate in sports at their local high school. In order for them to do this, they needed to be enrolled in at least one class at the school. These particular students would be home-schooled for most of the day and then take one elective course at the high school and also participate in sports (they played tennis). These kids seemed very well rounded and interacted well with others. In this way, they seemed to have the best of both worlds. Also, I have known parents who have home-schooled their kids but have been part of a co-op where they meet with other home-school parents a students on a period basis for the social aspect. They would also go on field trips together too. I think there could be ways to home-school students and also build in appropriate social activities.
ReplyDeleteMegan, more recently than ever, I've been able to gain a greater understanding of the many benefits that students have being home-schooled. It seems that my former thoughts of students being left-behind as it relates to the social structure of the classroom environment are not what I had imagined. In fact, from this information it seems that students are able to have a good balance of social structure outside of the typical classroom atmosphere. Which is great!
DeleteI again, but kids still need to have face to face time to learn how to interact with real people not just through a computer screen.
ReplyDeleteI understand your concerns on students receiving that face-face interaction. But, with all that is available with technology, via apps like Skype and other capabilities there are many ways that students can continue to get that face-face experience from their teachers via online learning.
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