Well, after reading the material from Michigan's state-wide K-12 virtual learning snapshot and reading through the top ten myths about virtual learning, I recognize that I may have formulated my opinions without enough of the facts. While the list of myths we received was given without the research cited, I'm sure some searching would provide the backing. My assumptions were made based upon what I thought virtual learning was/is. I have some experience in online classes but I've never really considered what it would be like to teach a class like science in high school.
I was surprised by a couple things with this week's readings. First, from the myths, "Myth: Online courses lack interaction.
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." I would assume that interaction is regular but not always as effective as my students would need. I'm not sure what the effectiveness is exactly in the classes from the data. I still believe that students may need more than just discussion time. I suppose as long as the online interaction can be done with more than just talking, it can be effective.
My next surprise left me disappointed in myself. I was unaware of the fact that Michigan has now or ever has had a graduation requirement that includes online coursework. In 2006, a requirement was made by legislators that requires students to have one class of online coursework in order to graduate. I know we offer classes online in my district but I had no idea that there ever was a requirement that students must take one of these classes. I still don't know what class my students take to fulfill this requirement, but it is something I will be looking into this week.
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
K-12 Virtual Schooling
As a student in online courses currently, virtual schooling is not a new concept to me, however, I feel like it should look differently or be approached a bit differently in a K-12 course. My current experience covers IT curriculum online; this is a natural association. Using online tools makes great sense with an online course. K-12 curriculum does not always lend itself to the same ease and smooth transition for students.
A blended curriculum could be a way for students to have opportunities their school may not offer. This would allow them to have traditional instruction while taking a course or two virtually that is not offered in their school. To my knowledge, there are a number of programs for virtual schooling right now and it seems that that number continues to grow. More students are taking advantage of these opportunities for growth and development and as they do, I expect traditional schools to lose students all together.
While this can be a great tool, I also imagine there are drawbacks. Offering a core course like science online has its advantages in that instruction can be viewed on a more flexible schedule and can be viewed over and over. It also means that more tools can be referenced with testing occurring at home. I also expect it can be a difficult task for some students to be unable to interact completely with their instructor. Sure, questions can be raised, discussions can take place and face-to-face conversation can occur, but I also would imagine that some students may need more than a conversation. Some of my students require explanation with modeling and manipulation of real-life examples simultaneously and I picture that as difficult when collaborating online only.
Virtual schooling is also a tool that students can use to catch up on credits or use if they are behaviorally not a good fit in traditional schools (eg expulsions or long-term suspensions or home bound due to hospitalization or illness). This gives them an option for completing curriculum without causing or being involved in further issues.
I don't pretend to know all of this information, this is simply a viewpoint or assumption I have made. Hopefully in the near future any misconceptions can be identified and clarified.
A blended curriculum could be a way for students to have opportunities their school may not offer. This would allow them to have traditional instruction while taking a course or two virtually that is not offered in their school. To my knowledge, there are a number of programs for virtual schooling right now and it seems that that number continues to grow. More students are taking advantage of these opportunities for growth and development and as they do, I expect traditional schools to lose students all together.
While this can be a great tool, I also imagine there are drawbacks. Offering a core course like science online has its advantages in that instruction can be viewed on a more flexible schedule and can be viewed over and over. It also means that more tools can be referenced with testing occurring at home. I also expect it can be a difficult task for some students to be unable to interact completely with their instructor. Sure, questions can be raised, discussions can take place and face-to-face conversation can occur, but I also would imagine that some students may need more than a conversation. Some of my students require explanation with modeling and manipulation of real-life examples simultaneously and I picture that as difficult when collaborating online only.
Virtual schooling is also a tool that students can use to catch up on credits or use if they are behaviorally not a good fit in traditional schools (eg expulsions or long-term suspensions or home bound due to hospitalization or illness). This gives them an option for completing curriculum without causing or being involved in further issues.
I don't pretend to know all of this information, this is simply a viewpoint or assumption I have made. Hopefully in the near future any misconceptions can be identified and clarified.
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