New Learning:
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I hadn’t considered the cost of providing distance learning. There are many resources that must be attained before distance education programs can be successful. One of the reasons that a distance education program may fail is related to the lack of planning on the front end. The conundrum at the moment is the conflicting preferences of students. Students prefer to have a classroom to go to with the instructor there as well as their classmates (Simonson, Smaldino and Zvacek, 2015). On the other hand, students feel there are courses they would like to supplement with distance learning opportunities. Simonson, Smaldino and Zvacek (2015) pose these questions: “Should resources be dedicated to improving the traditional educational infrastructure of buildings, classrooms, laboratories, and offices, and should students be transported to these facilities? Or should money be used to develop modern and sophisticated telecommunications systems?” (p. 5).
I was surprised that as I was looking for scholarly articles for assignments related to virtual learning that there were articles dating back to when I was in high school. We only had a computer lab for typing class and computers in the library for research. To think that these virtual opportunities have been evolving for so many years really blew my mind. An example was given by Simonson, Smaldino and Zvacek (2015) about four chemistry teachers from schools about 60 miles away from each other who came together to provide distance learning experiences for their students. They wanted to change the mindset of students from dreading chemistry to enjoying and learning chemistry. It was a huge success based on test scores and engagement of the students involved. I think that would have been an amazing experience in high school.
I did not realize that some states have mandated virtual course requirements at the high school level. Etherington (2017) notes that “five states require online learning credits for high school graduation” (para. 1). Michigan was the front runner on this and predicted the direction of education. Michigan school initiative was in place by 1998, to begin offering online courses to students (2017). They knew that in order for learners to be successful beyond high school they would need experiences in online courses.
The competitiveness of getting into virtual learning courses at the high school level is a concern I have. When reading through the requirements for Shelby County, there were several stipulations that had to be met. The two that stuck out for me were shows school appropriate behavior and no more than 5 unexcused absences. I personally feel that virtual learning should be an opportunity provided to all students because a traditional classroom setting does not meet the needs of all students. The students with behavior problems may excel with online classes because of the increased responsibility and ownership of learning. A child with unexcused absences may have anxiety about attending school. Online learning would be a great place for them to learn in a comfortable, stress-free environment.
Concerns:
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There hasn’t been much thought put into supporting students with disabilities. In fact, the text only refers to accessibility for students with special needs a few times throughout the entire text. Chapter 11 dedicates three short paragraphs to the topic. The explanation given regarding the level of support is that it is limited to “accessibility of resources and availability of consultation” (Simonson, Smaldino & Zvacek, 2015, p. 291) I find this unacceptable. Students' needs should be met regardless of the extensiveness of those needs. Basic requirements based on the Rehabilitation Act, Section 508 only requires accessibility and with the cost of education per student, schools are not going to go above and beyond the basic requirements.
I wonder if education programs at universities will begin to incorporate classes to train teachers on how to teach in both a traditional setting and a virtual learning environment. I can see a definite need for training teachers for this change in education. I would think it would need to be a course that focuses on virtual learning just like the courses that stand alone for assessment and special education for the general education teacher.
Question:
I wonder if education programs at universities will begin to incorporate classes to train teachers on how to teach in both a traditional setting and a virtual learning environment. I can see a definite need for training teachers for this change in education. I would think it would need to be a course that focuses on virtual learning just like the courses that stand alone for assessment and special education for the general education teacher.
References:
(2017, May 20). Five States Require Online Learning Credits for High School
Graduation. Retrieved from https://news.elearninginside.com/five-states-
require-online-learning-credits-high-school-graduation/
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S. & Zvacek, S. (2015) Teaching and learning at a
distance: foundations of distance education (6th ed.). Charlotte, NC:
Information Age Publishing, Inc.
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned that about the Virtual School policy requirements of Shelby County did not provide the option for students that may need the Virtual School option. I completely agree. In my opinion, I think many districts with basic online school policies were just putting something together to say they met the requirements required for state legislation ACT 2015-89. If these districts want to have successful virtual schools, they will have to make a larger commitment to their online school program. Simonson, Smaldino, Zvacek, (2015) state that barriers to distant education included organizations that resist change, lack of a vision, and have trouble at keeping pace with technological changes. It sounds that the Shelby County policy is discouraging any virtual options within their schools.
Simonson, M. R., Smaldino, S. E., & Zvacek, S. (2015). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education. Charlotte, NC: IAP, Information Age Publishing.
As you mentioned the Shelby County policy in your reflection, I began to think about how many students would not be eligible to take the online classes due to unexcused absences. My daughter would be one of those students. She suffers from migraines and does not have to go to the doctor every time she has one; however, I do have to write an excuse for her absences (the school will only take so many hand-written excuses in a school year.
ReplyDeleteOn the flip side of this, I did read in Randolph County policy that they have a virtual school orientation course... I see this as a benefit for instructors, parents, and especially students. Simonson, Smaldino, & Zvacek (2015) says, "The quality of student support services available and easily accessible to a distant learnr will play a major role in determining whether that student learns about the program, enrolls, and remains through to completion" (pg. 283).
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., & Zvacek, S. (2015). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (6th ed.). Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing, Inc.