With much thought and consideration I write this letter to express my dismay with the view of virtual schooling here at Exira High School. There are many arguments that can convey the importance of the virtual school experience but I will only share a few today. The points that I would like to cover include, the Michigan requirement for at least one class of online schooling, the opportunity for students to receive courses that are not offered at Exira and the experience obtained through virtual schools.
All of these points are valid but none so much as the state mandate of at least one class of online learning by graduation. With Michigan making a push for state wide uniformity, it would benefit Exira High School to continue to make strides toward this initiative. With this standard starting with the 9th grades of 2007-2008 we as a school have to make sure we continue to push for this form of instruction. Information on this standard can be found on the Michigan Department of Education’s website, http://www.michigan.gov/mde . The site notes that this requirement is to help prepare students for the demands they will encounter in higher education, the workplace, and personal lifelong learning.
The next very important point is the topic of course offerings. The reason Danielle took the chemistry class in this manner is because Exira did not already offer this course as part of the curriculum. Virtual schooling helps provide advance and remedial subject matters that our local school does not. This will greatly increase student performance and accomplishment. This scenario shows all the stakeholders involved that Exira is ready to continue the advancement into more virtual school opportunities. With the local support from facilitating teacher, counselors and parents there is not telling how far our students can succeed. One point that does need to be address it the incident of internet safety that Danielle and her group members encountered. There needs to be a forum set up for student interaction outside of the classroom. iSafe.com, http://www.isafe.com is a very good website to address this issue.
Finally virtual schools help to foster a learning experience like no other. Students with the help of a teacher facilitator can gain learning opportunities that would not other wise exist. Virtual schooling prepares students for the world we live in today. With this form of education students can open their horizons in the future. If you look on the internet today there are over a dozen online college degree courses being offered. Students that do not have other means may find it more convenient to attend an online college. Armed with the experience of virtual schooling will serve them well. Take Kaplan University for example http://www.kaplan.edu . This accredited educational institution offers Associate, Bachelors, Masters, Doctorate, and certificate degree programs. All of which can be taken online. If we are trying to develop our students to be successful and marketable in this global world, virtual schooling is a step in the right direction.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Week 12 Topic
Virtual schools, hmmmm
Challenges in providing effective virtual schooling
In the district where I work there are a couple of different challenges. However, none of these challenges have anything to do with the actual virtual school experience. The first challenge is the administration is not adequately equipped to handle a virtual school experience. The administrator's do not understand the importance of something like this and they are not willing to research it. Their unwillingness for change has a direct effect on the students' opportunities. I believe something has to be done, but until there is new administration or they finally see the light nothing will happen.
The next challenge we face is connectivity. Many of the computers are outdated and need to be upgraded. Understanding that technology is the driver.... the driver must be ready and competent in order to go anywhere.
The last challenge is the readiness of the teachers. A lot of the misconceptions stated in the Convergence article relate to the teaching staff. "Why are they giving us more work!","They are trying to replace classroom instruction!","Online courses are too easy for these students and it will promote laziness!" All of these myths are found to be just that, myths! Patrick states that in 2005 more than 500,000 students were enrolled in virtual schools (2006). This shows that somewhere someone is doing the right thing by their students! So why wouldn't we!
Efficacy and potential influence of a virtual environment on student learning
There are so many possibilities within the virtual school concept. Students can receive a wealth of knowledge and information through this catalyst. The topics that can be taught, the teachers that could teach them, the culture that can be infused, all of these things come to my mind when I think about the impact virtual schools can have on students. I don't understand why more Michigan schools would not be pushing for this exposure. I understand the red tape of it all but impact that these school environments will have on students should outweigh all of that.
Challenges in providing effective virtual schooling
In the district where I work there are a couple of different challenges. However, none of these challenges have anything to do with the actual virtual school experience. The first challenge is the administration is not adequately equipped to handle a virtual school experience. The administrator's do not understand the importance of something like this and they are not willing to research it. Their unwillingness for change has a direct effect on the students' opportunities. I believe something has to be done, but until there is new administration or they finally see the light nothing will happen.
The next challenge we face is connectivity. Many of the computers are outdated and need to be upgraded. Understanding that technology is the driver.... the driver must be ready and competent in order to go anywhere.
The last challenge is the readiness of the teachers. A lot of the misconceptions stated in the Convergence article relate to the teaching staff. "Why are they giving us more work!","They are trying to replace classroom instruction!","Online courses are too easy for these students and it will promote laziness!" All of these myths are found to be just that, myths! Patrick states that in 2005 more than 500,000 students were enrolled in virtual schools (2006). This shows that somewhere someone is doing the right thing by their students! So why wouldn't we!
Efficacy and potential influence of a virtual environment on student learning
There are so many possibilities within the virtual school concept. Students can receive a wealth of knowledge and information through this catalyst. The topics that can be taught, the teachers that could teach them, the culture that can be infused, all of these things come to my mind when I think about the impact virtual schools can have on students. I don't understand why more Michigan schools would not be pushing for this exposure. I understand the red tape of it all but impact that these school environments will have on students should outweigh all of that.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Week 11 Post
Virtual schooling is not a new word or concept for me. Working in a K-12 school district has afforded me the opportunity to understand and gain knowledge of virtual schooling. I always felt that this was a great avenue for my school district to research. Unfortunately to date the district has still not looked into the possibilities.
With all that being said I understand the legislation in Michigan and the requirements that are now in place for online schooling. I also know that many school districts are not ready for such a big undertaking. Some of the myths that I read in the article surprised me. I never really imagined that people had so many misconceptions of the process. The one myth that I was especially surprised to see was number ten. Which states online courses are a burden to school systems and teachers. They are like adding on more responsibility. I feel that online courses would serve as a way of freedom for teachers. Just like the article states, it gives teachers the ability to design and deliver a course that will fit the students' learning patterns and interests.
With all that being said I understand the legislation in Michigan and the requirements that are now in place for online schooling. I also know that many school districts are not ready for such a big undertaking. Some of the myths that I read in the article surprised me. I never really imagined that people had so many misconceptions of the process. The one myth that I was especially surprised to see was number ten. Which states online courses are a burden to school systems and teachers. They are like adding on more responsibility. I feel that online courses would serve as a way of freedom for teachers. Just like the article states, it gives teachers the ability to design and deliver a course that will fit the students' learning patterns and interests.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Week 9: Social Operating Systems
I have been amazed at what has been happening on the Internet. People are connecting more than ever before and it is all with the help of social networking sites. These sites are making it possible for people to find long lost friends, information that might have been lost and all types of other information.
I am excited about this type of technology because of the learning aspects of these sites. Students can instantly be put in touch with different professionals and other teachers. These experiences can link students to a variety of leaning opportunities. These sites can bring a whole new meaning to pen-pals and chat buddies. In the Horizon Report it even talks about how these type of sites will migrate to more meaningful information. Spaces like Myspace and Facebook are great socializing sites but New Horizon talks about defining these spaces and creating a more informative people-centered site.
I feel that these sights have a lot to offer the educational experience if used correctly. I believe these sites have a great impact because information is at your fingertips.
I am excited about this type of technology because of the learning aspects of these sites. Students can instantly be put in touch with different professionals and other teachers. These experiences can link students to a variety of leaning opportunities. These sites can bring a whole new meaning to pen-pals and chat buddies. In the Horizon Report it even talks about how these type of sites will migrate to more meaningful information. Spaces like Myspace and Facebook are great socializing sites but New Horizon talks about defining these spaces and creating a more informative people-centered site.
I feel that these sights have a lot to offer the educational experience if used correctly. I believe these sites have a great impact because information is at your fingertips.
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