"Transforming Education through Online Learning,” by Julie Young, Pam Birtolo, and Raven McElmen
FLVS (Florida Virtual School) was established in 1997. It was the first public virtual school available in the United States. For more than 10 years, FLVS has given students a unique learning experience. The days of teaching all students to follow along on the same page in the textbook are over. Students can now learn math and science in other places than the classroom, and technology is the tool that can help them do that. Students can solve math problems through real life problems, students can go places where science is taking place, or they can talk to professionals in those fields to get a better understanding of the subject. This school is using texting, email, and blogging to help students develop critical thinking skills that tie in with the 21st century. Unlike regular schools where you physically attend class and follow the schedule of the school, virtual learning schools are the exact opposite. There are no classrooms, class times, bells, etc. Students log on whenever they want, and teachers are basically on call 24- 7 to meet the needs of their students. Students also get to learn at their own pace, and do not have to be held back in class, or move forward without understanding the material. A new statistic came out that said FLVS students consistently earned higher grades, received better state assessment scores, and achieved higher marks on AP exams than students in traditional schools. I can see this happening because students seem to receive more of individual attention from their teachers than they would in a crowded classroom.
To be honest, I do not know if I would want to learn only online. And I don’t think that I would want my kids to either. I think this is a great tool for those who learn at a fast pace and are constantly being slowed down in the classroom. But we also have to remember that students learn in different ways. Some students find it easy to learn online, and others need someone there explaining things step by step. As a virtual learning teacher, I do not know how I would feel about being on call 24-7, 365 days a year. I would like to see a balance between the two. Incorporating at home online learning AND in class sessions would be beneficial to all students.
I agree, Ashleigh. Im not sure if I would nurture this idea too. However, for Mothers who were adamant on homeschooling, this could be incedibly useful!
ReplyDeleteI also think outlets like this would be useful to students who werekicked out of high schools and were told to attend continuation school. If the parent opted for this alternative, the parent could ensure a proper age appropriate education every step of the way.
It would be essential for a parent to be involved. Without adult supervision, a student could easily fall behind without the consequences of a progress report oor a call from the teacher. Too much technology is certainly not good and nothing replaces a human being being a teacher!
I think online learning it beneficial in todays society but I don't think our students would benefit the most from internet only learning. Our students and ourselves learn best by doing.
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