The integration of technology has given the opportunity for students to now access learning beyond the classroom setting. Online teaching and learning provides students with a choice in their instructional delivery method. Prior to the 1980s online learning was not attractive or accessible. In fact, most feared this new way of learning.
Online learning is becoming one of the most sought after method to learning. Younger students prefer: easy to access learning, convenience, and how it is less expensive than the traditional classroom setting for learning. The traditional classroom no longer satisfies or will meet the needs of students who are employed full-time, busy, or those who travel extensively.
Creating ways to learning in a non-traditional setting has change the world of teaching and learning. I strongly believe that there will soon be a thrust to pursue this learning method in the elementary and secondary sector. That's right, online learning will soon replace the traditional elementary and high school classroom method for instruction.
Online learning is the answer for those who can no longer access or choose to no longer access instruction the traditional way. Briefly share, your point of view as it relates to the pros and cons of online teaching and learning? Is online learning the new normal?
Actually there is already a thrust for online learning in K-12 schools. Several states now mandate that every high school student take some courses online, and more and more totally online schools are appearing, even for elementary students. So what do you think about this trend? How does it relate to what you do?
ReplyDeleteYes, you are correct. However, in my current district it is a new initiative. While there are many online credit recovery programs, there are not many online classes that are not associated with credit recovery in my district. It's encouraging to know that school districts are considering online classes to support teaching and learning. I'm interested in knowing how this approach will provide tutorial support for those students who struggle with online content at the elementary and high school levels. I am currently a principal and this approach to learning is relevant and will shift education as it relates to instructional delivery systems, greatly.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm going to have to qualify my comment 1st by stating that I've been out of this type of educational setting for about 20 years. As a Chicago Police Officer, our training is based on a para-military view of education. Hence, when I completed my blog it was met with some scrutiny, which I completely welcome, seeing as I have yet to begin my career as an educator. That being said, I am still not ready to completely jump on board with your view of online learning. I like the idea of classroom education. I definitely see online learning as a fantastic alternative. However, call me "old school", or maybe even just a little out dated, but I'm not too sure how I feel about it replacing traditional elementary schools.
ReplyDeleteHi Lori, thanks for sharing your thoughts and opinions in regards to online learning. I completely understand the rationale and popularity online learning has gained. However, I am curious about how parents respond to their children participating in online learning. Is there any push back from them? I agree with you in the fact that these online learning environments will continue to grow and will see them more widely used. With this growth there will need to be critical evaluations of these online learning experiences to ensure they are up to standard, address all of the different learning styles, and take into consideration possible learning disabilities. Have you seen this to be the case in the online learning in k-12?
ReplyDeleteHi Jamos: I continue to gather data to see how online learning will support students with disabilities. One thing I've found, most of the supplemental intervention learning modules are adjusted to each student's instructional level. This allows for adjusting the instruction, assignments and assessments to meet the needs of a struggling learner. In the future, I will certainly know more. I was recently invited to partner with a provider to develop personalize learning plans via online. I'm excited about this new learning opportunity.
ReplyDeleteHi Damen: I certainly understand your concerns and view. In fact, prior to receiving professional development to assist with acclimating to online learning, your comments would have been my sentiments. After reviewing many of the instructional shifts and how student learning, in the near future, will be assessed using an online tool it pushed me to explore the online learning concept. In this technological age, we must equip our students with these learning opportunities so that they are not just eligible to enroll in college but they are also ready to select from the course offerings offered and have the capacity to successfully complete the class. Thanks for sharing!