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 Many of the computers are outdated and need to be upgraded.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.
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This is a discussion about different avenues for classroom instruction. We will also discuss ways to enhance the learning environment for the students.
4 comments:
Nicole,
As far as the culture of leadership goes in your district, I couldn't agree more. I would even go one step further by instituting more draconian measures for dealing with the sheer lack of will on the technology front. It is not enough to provide one computer to one student without making an effort to change the culture of resistance to technological necessity.
To steal a page from Bill Gates, I would probably scrap the current system of education in favor of system where needs emerging industry and technology become the focus of curriculum reform. To do any less is to fail the current generation of students.
As for efficacy and potential influence for virtual schooling, I see it as the best alternative to offer At-risk students/special populations students a fighting chance to graduate with "Rigor, Relevance, and Real" opportunities. Never mind trying to manipulate AYP/MME scores and pretend we have made progress. That money would be better served upgrading Michigan K-12 student skills, which will actually meet the needs of industry.
Brad.
We really have a culture of failure in our school system. We make lots of excuses for it. While we are making excuses parents are pulling students out and sending them elsewhere. Two of my 8th graders recently applied at University Prep High which is down by Wayne State. It has a 94% graduation rate. Students are chosen by lottery and unfortunately neither of my students were chosen. The school is full.
I agree with Brad about changing the culture of resistance. My neighbors come from India. Once a year they go back to visit relatives. They always tell me how motivated the Indian students are. We have lost that "fire in the belly" that is required for change.
Yes lady the k-12 educational system is in need of a total revamp as Marge and Brad have stated. Sounds like you are all for VS whole-heartedly! I respect that and it's a shame that you have on your helmet and are suited up for the ride with no vehicle at this time. I agree with you about that and many schools in my district are lagging when it comes to upgrades as well.
However, I am fortunate that my school has a good handle on technology in terms of the cars being tuned up and geared to go. We have a computer lab, computer instructor, media center, as well as 5 classroom computers. No excuse right, hah! I guess God knew what school to place me after my lay-off. I was already enrolled for the class. I will begin being that change that I want to see. Time to woman up and take that leadership roll that I keep running from and get the ball rolling. I have already informed my principal (she is awesome)of various things that I have learned and sent her my Wikipage link. She was excited. She has taken a look at it, and has taken the initiative to research data mashups further! One step at a time. Nice Post.
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