I learned a wealth of things from the reading that really did surprise me. First, that in the 1930's Educational Radio was the original virtual learning tool. Next, that in the internet's humble beginnings it should not surprise me that education jumped on the band wagon. It has proven to be a vast medium and the growth potential is still exponential. This weeks readings expanded my knowledge of Virtual Learning and validated some of the things I already knew.
The Clark study revealed the fact that Virtual K-12 has been around since 1995. To me the internet still seemed pretty wild and wooly - a vast, unharnessed and uncharted place back then. My first job that involved daily computer use was in 1993. As an undergrad I was just beginning to use the internet for some of my research papers and on-line classes were something I knew nothing about.
Reviewing all the data on Michigan over the course of the studies proved to be very interesting as well. I have to say that I felt a sense of pride learning that Michigan has been a pioneer in the Virtual K-12 arena. Seeing the growth in courses offered and teachers employed, albeit part-time, but none the less, employed in the Virtual K-12 field proved to be very revealing.
I also found the "on-line class requirement" for K-12 students to be interesting. It does make perfect sense though. Students need exposure to this type of learning because it brings about a different type of critical thinking and a different type of learning experience. Reading through the myths proved a point as well. Socio economics do not necessarily mean that poorer districts do not have the same access to technology. Perhaps it is not available in the home but, many of the schools strive to provide it for the students.
Home schooling has proven successful over the years. I cannot see any reason why full time virtual K-12 schools will not experience the same success. Funding will always be an issue debated in education forever. There may not be a perfect solution. If the means used to educate children guarantee that everyone has access to the best opportunity available to them then it cannot be bad.
Friday, March 28, 2014
Monday, March 24, 2014
Virtual K-12
I am not a full time classroom teacher. The information I have gleaned from technology directors and curriculum directors is the best knowledge I have on virtual learning. It is loosely tied to my industry. With the web based BYOD technology that I have sold and supported students can participate in assessments from anywhere via the internet.
My first exposure to the virtual classroom was in 2009. Smaller school districts in the thumb area needed to offer foreign language classes to their high school students. The population did not support a full time teacher at any of the area high schools. Through a virtual option the schools offered the classes to these students. They took place in the school and were taught by a certified instructor through the company K12 in a virtual environment. The students attended via the computer lab at the school.
My next exposure was in 2010. A school district in greater Detroit was offering credit recovery options to their high school students. The students were able to take the classes from home. The tech director shared that this was to decrease the drop out rate by offering this alternative.
My niece and nephews, who are home schooled in Maryland, have taken virtual classes in order to meet the requirements set forth by the state in order to graduate. They are able to take more advanced classes that the homeschooling group are not able to support as well.
Here in Oakland county there has been heavy television and direct mail advertising for virtual schools and academies. It is my understanding that there are no limits to the variety of classes being offered. The companies I am aware of that offer virtual schooling have certified teachers in the instructor role.
After attending ASCD March 15th through the 17th it became very apparent that all that is virtual is the future. ASCD was as much a technology conference as it was curriculum. Everyone seems to be able to provide everything virtually.
My first exposure to the virtual classroom was in 2009. Smaller school districts in the thumb area needed to offer foreign language classes to their high school students. The population did not support a full time teacher at any of the area high schools. Through a virtual option the schools offered the classes to these students. They took place in the school and were taught by a certified instructor through the company K12 in a virtual environment. The students attended via the computer lab at the school.
My next exposure was in 2010. A school district in greater Detroit was offering credit recovery options to their high school students. The students were able to take the classes from home. The tech director shared that this was to decrease the drop out rate by offering this alternative.
My niece and nephews, who are home schooled in Maryland, have taken virtual classes in order to meet the requirements set forth by the state in order to graduate. They are able to take more advanced classes that the homeschooling group are not able to support as well.
Here in Oakland county there has been heavy television and direct mail advertising for virtual schools and academies. It is my understanding that there are no limits to the variety of classes being offered. The companies I am aware of that offer virtual schooling have certified teachers in the instructor role.
After attending ASCD March 15th through the 17th it became very apparent that all that is virtual is the future. ASCD was as much a technology conference as it was curriculum. Everyone seems to be able to provide everything virtually.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)