Chapter 6
Focus Question: What are the advantages and complexities of online learning and virtual schools?
There are many advantages to online learning and virtual schools. Some of those being the flexibility, creativity through technology, and the ease of anxiety and pressures that some students may experience in the classroom. Students can also go at their own pace (within reason.) According to the text, the amount of online students for K-12 has grown so large in recent years, that it could be classified as one of the top 30 school districts in the nation. As with anything, however; there are critics. Some of the issues that are in debate are the social deprivation that students may experience. Students attending an actual class are able to experience social conformity's, friendships and basic social skills. Another problem is the decrease in needs of teachers. Online classes can be handled by less staff than that of regular schools. It has also been noticed that the students were testing lower on standardized tests than those students attend school.
Tech Tool 6.1: There are several apps that will allow interactive learning experiences. One of interest for myself, and is also listed in the tech tools, is the favorite poem project app. This was created by a poet for students to watch videos of poets performing and reading their poetry, but they also have the opportunity to read through many different poems. I am a huge fan of poetry, and will definitely check this app out!
Chapter 6 had a lot of great information regarding the online learning capabilities, and the information management needed in both the virtual classroom and actual classroom. Learning does not have to be put into a box, and with technology growing as rapidly as it is, students now have the opportunity to choose how and when they want to learn. Although there are advantages and some issues at question, it does not stifle a trend that is continuing to grow.
Maloy, R. W., Verick-O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2014). Transforming learning with new technologies. Boston, MA: Pearson
I like your comment, "Learning does not have to be put into a box," - it is definitely a sign that more teachers are moving towards a creative classroom. I love the idea, but can understand how it may not be as realistic as one would hope, given the balance needed in keeping at least some of the 'box' frameworks. It is important to keep stretching! :)
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