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.
You are not on an island in regard to being unaware of the online course requirement for graduation. I had no idea either. I'm definitely going to ask my administration about the manner as soon as possible. Maybe it doesn't affect my students because I work for a private school? I guess that the senior class of 2011 was the first class affected by the requirement.
ReplyDeleteIf I'm remembering correctly, private schools have to meet the minimum days but since they get no funding they get to set their own curriculum if I remember correctly.
DeleteDe Haan I certainly understand your surprise, I have seen a chemistry class on line and you would be surprised at how awesome the diagrams are to explain some of the formula's. I was excited and shocked at the same time and there were videos to explain a lot of the difficult questions in a tutorial. The diagrams gives a step by step explanation of how the formula flows and it helped the formula make sense for the students.
ReplyDeleteThat's amazing what's available out there to students in science classes. I'm sure the technology helps students who struggle pass.
DeleteHi de Hann. Great post. A few comments: DOn't be too hard on yourself. This assignment accomplished its task for you, it debunked some misconceptions you had. That is a good thing. Another point is that I too was surprised by the course requiremnt. I have been involved with tech in the school for several years and this was the first I had heard about this requirement. What I liked about your response was your willingness to admit you didn't know some of the information. That by itself will allow you to push and learn more than other individuals.
ReplyDeleteThat's definitely true. Teachers aren't aware of everything and I was surprised by some things as well, such as funding, which can get confusing. Plus learning and uncovering new information and doing research makes everyone here better educators in the long run.
DeleteRequirements can get confusing and with the technology changing, the requirements will always be forever changing. Students definitely need interaction, which is why not all of their courses require an online component (at this point) and as I'm writing this post, anyway. Educators like yourself are aware of how important interaction and communication is for students' futures and of their everyday lives, which is why interaction is still incorporated in their requirements.
ReplyDeleteDe Hann I agree that I did not know each student was required to take at least one online class before they graduated however I did notice a lot of students in the computer lab but they did not appear to be serious about the subject. I think a lot of students take the easiest class they can so they can play games on the computer and what happens is the class is set up for them to follow a format , they don't do any of the work and end up failing the class. I have also noticed that if the principal does not put an instructor in the class that can keep the students focused and on track the students do not take the class serious.
ReplyDelete