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.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Week 8 - Thinkfinity!!!
After viewing the Verizon Thinkfinity site the first thing that comes to my mind and ranks exemplary is the organization of the site. Every piece of the site has its own section and defining characteristics. The site in my opinion is very easy to navigate and everything is clearly connected. The information that is presented on the site seems to be accurate and everything is current. The information is great for educators and parents and seems to be very useful. If help is needed they even included contact information for the site.
This is a great site and I believe it shows the efforts on Verizon’s part to create a division for education. Verizon has created a portal that does a great job at presenting information to everyone that comes in contact with this site. Another thing that I like about this site is the endorsements by different educational organizations. This shows the willingness and commitment to education Verizon has. This site was Great, thanks for sharing it!!!
This is a great site and I believe it shows the efforts on Verizon’s part to create a division for education. Verizon has created a portal that does a great job at presenting information to everyone that comes in contact with this site. Another thing that I like about this site is the endorsements by different educational organizations. This shows the willingness and commitment to education Verizon has. This site was Great, thanks for sharing it!!!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Week 7 - Diversity in everything we do
The discussion this week is one that I have not really done a lot of work with. Coming from an urban area, there are not many times that I have to look at material to make sure it is culturally diverse. The culture at my school is greatly one sided and so there is a lot of majority rules that goes on.
I do however see the importance of obtaining sites with multicultural emphasis to insure that all students are getting the maximum benefit from the material. I appreciated the fact that Gorski gave examples of the criterion he uses to gauge websites and other material. I can begin to use those criteria in order to establish materials and websites that are culturally diverse. This is my first semester teaching children and there is a lot I have to learn about finding appropriate material. The article really helped to give me a foundation that I can build upon. In order to become the most effective teacher possible I have to understand how diverse material will help my students to grow and thrive.
I do however see the importance of obtaining sites with multicultural emphasis to insure that all students are getting the maximum benefit from the material. I appreciated the fact that Gorski gave examples of the criterion he uses to gauge websites and other material. I can begin to use those criteria in order to establish materials and websites that are culturally diverse. This is my first semester teaching children and there is a lot I have to learn about finding appropriate material. The article really helped to give me a foundation that I can build upon. In order to become the most effective teacher possible I have to understand how diverse material will help my students to grow and thrive.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Week 6-Websites and the Whole Lot
There are a lot of different aspects that need to be considered when using web site resources in a classroom setting. First I have to consider the audience for which the information is needed. If I am teaching lower grades I have to find totally different material than that of higher grades. This semester I will be focused on 6th, 7th, and 8th grade so I will not have to change many websites or concepts. In my opinion a website has to be reliable, concise, easy to navigate, informative and minor-friendly. I try to check all of the hyperlinks to make sure they do not lead to something inappropriate.
I usually want to make sure a website can improve on the learning experience of a class. For instance, when I teach about proper researching skill and resume writing, I use websites that give good examples and are easy to follow. I usually try to ask myself the following questions when reviewing a website:
When coming to this website, was it easy to navigate?
Does this website contain information that I need to know?
Does this website provide additional resource?
Does the website have a good search feature?
Is this information coming from a legitimate source?
All of these questions usually help and if more than one of them is an answer of "no" I do not use the website.
I usually want to make sure a website can improve on the learning experience of a class. For instance, when I teach about proper researching skill and resume writing, I use websites that give good examples and are easy to follow. I usually try to ask myself the following questions when reviewing a website:
When coming to this website, was it easy to navigate?
Does this website contain information that I need to know?
Does this website provide additional resource?
Does the website have a good search feature?
Is this information coming from a legitimate source?
All of these questions usually help and if more than one of them is an answer of "no" I do not use the website.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Week 4 Blog
I have been having some technical difficulties at the house, but my posts will be coming live earlier in the coming week. Sorry for the delay.
This week’s reading was very interesting to me. I found that the two authors had very different writing styles and I believe the articles were written for different reasons. In Strauss’ article he seems to be writing to persuade the reader into thinking this new generation will be the saviors of the world. One of many comments Strauss writes states, “Their life mission will not be to tear down old institutions that don’t work, but to build up new ones that do (2001, p. 7).” He really paints a picture of a super generation that is growing out from the ruble of mediocrity. I really could not connect any of the kids I teach and see on a regular basis in this article. I felt that this article was written through rose color glasses to say the least. Don’t get me wrong, I believe he had some great points, I just wish he would have put in more data that showed some of his conclusions.
On the other side of the spectrum was the article by Prensky. I believe he wrote this article to inform and educate the reader. This piece of work depicted a more realistic view of this new generation of children. Prensky was able to capture the disconnect between the adult and the students they teach. I see this struggle everyday and for that reason Prensky’s article felt very familiar to me. I hear the teacher’s complain about how distance the students are and how they can not seem to engage them at all. I have gym teachers that are unable to get the kids to take sports seriously and the kids seem almost too lazy to try anything new. Most the time you will catch almost half the class on the sidelines talking and socializing. This is of course very disheartening to the coaches and gym staff.
If you stand in the hallway at my school it seems like you can see walking zombies moping around the building. The only time I see anything different is when technology is being used in the classroom for instruction. The kids seem to perk up and get interested. Unfortunately, computers are not always a regular in every classroom. I agree with Prensky when he says there has to be a change in the way education is delivered if we are to ever get the kid’s maximum involvement. My questions would be how can we take the State’s technology initiative and change the way we deliver instruction throughout the state? Is it really feasible to believe that something this massive can happen? Do we have a choice? If change does not occur what will happen to the children that grow up in this era?
This week’s reading was very interesting to me. I found that the two authors had very different writing styles and I believe the articles were written for different reasons. In Strauss’ article he seems to be writing to persuade the reader into thinking this new generation will be the saviors of the world. One of many comments Strauss writes states, “Their life mission will not be to tear down old institutions that don’t work, but to build up new ones that do (2001, p. 7).” He really paints a picture of a super generation that is growing out from the ruble of mediocrity. I really could not connect any of the kids I teach and see on a regular basis in this article. I felt that this article was written through rose color glasses to say the least. Don’t get me wrong, I believe he had some great points, I just wish he would have put in more data that showed some of his conclusions.
On the other side of the spectrum was the article by Prensky. I believe he wrote this article to inform and educate the reader. This piece of work depicted a more realistic view of this new generation of children. Prensky was able to capture the disconnect between the adult and the students they teach. I see this struggle everyday and for that reason Prensky’s article felt very familiar to me. I hear the teacher’s complain about how distance the students are and how they can not seem to engage them at all. I have gym teachers that are unable to get the kids to take sports seriously and the kids seem almost too lazy to try anything new. Most the time you will catch almost half the class on the sidelines talking and socializing. This is of course very disheartening to the coaches and gym staff.
If you stand in the hallway at my school it seems like you can see walking zombies moping around the building. The only time I see anything different is when technology is being used in the classroom for instruction. The kids seem to perk up and get interested. Unfortunately, computers are not always a regular in every classroom. I agree with Prensky when he says there has to be a change in the way education is delivered if we are to ever get the kid’s maximum involvement. My questions would be how can we take the State’s technology initiative and change the way we deliver instruction throughout the state? Is it really feasible to believe that something this massive can happen? Do we have a choice? If change does not occur what will happen to the children that grow up in this era?
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Lessons
One of the biggest things we are trying to get the 8th and 9th graders to do is learn how to research. I would design a unit around a mandatory research paper. I would use blogger to help the kids brainstorm on different topics. I would also give writing prompts to help the children analyze their references. Something like this would get the children in the habit of thinking before they write.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Reaching the Masses
Educational blogging is a great way to share ideas and get insight into different concepts. If I was teaching in a classroom I would certainly have a educational unit that incorporates the blogging concept. I think it is a great way to get kids analyzing, writing, reading and comprehending. Google is a program that I will be introducing to my teacher's because it is free and it is a great learning tool.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Introduction
Hello my name is Nicole and I am excited to be a part of this class. I am currently working as a Technology Coordinator at Chandler Park Academy which is a K-9 district. I look forward to learning about different ways to incorporate computers in the classroom. I find that there are so many different things to do that it becomes overwhelming! I hope this class will help me focus in on a few different things that will help me hone my skills.
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