Chapter 6 - Fostering
Online Learning with Educational Websites and Apps
A
child, actively engaged in online learning
Focus
Question: What are the advantages and complexities of online learning and
virtual schools?
Glenn
Edwards’s son became very ill, and unfortunately, this illness at the beginning
of his seventh (7th) grade school year caused his absence from
school for an extended period. In order to prevent his son from being held back
a year, Edwards and his wife opted to exercise the only logical option, virtual
school. Like many other parents, they had concerns as to whether their thirteen
year old son would become a “free-flowing genius” or “an overweight moron
starving for interaction with real people”. The reality is that there are
advantages and disadvantages to online learning and virtual schools and since
this might be something I pursue at some point, it warrants closer scrutiny.
First,
let us outline the connection between online learning and virtual schools:
“Online learning is the delivery of educational experiences with computers and
other technologies through organizations known as virtual schools”. (Maloy,
Verock, Edwards, Woolf 2010). Then there is blended or hybrid learning, which
involves both face to face contact and online learning, as is the case with my
Statical Methods class. Quite frankly, I am a face to face “kind of girl”. I do
not enjoy the online aspect of this course.
The
advantage of to the school districts is that it costs them less. The biggest
advantage to the parent and the student, is scheduling as the parent and child
determine the learning schedule. More and more Florida Families are choosing
this option. I am aware of Nursing professionals who work a few days of the
week, and commit the remaining ones to facilitating the education of their
home-schooled children. The plus is that there will be no tardies but some
virual schools require excuse if the students are absent on certain days. It is
not a “free-for-all”. Students work two to three hours per day and have no home
work. It is said to be less intense. Additionally, parents who are concerned about
their children and bullying say virtual school keeps their children engage in
school, and away from the dangers of drugs and potentially negative or
dangerous experiences. It is worth considering; however, not before reviewing
the disadvantages.
According
to critics, the disadvantage is the loss of in-person, student-teacher
communication, and limited opportunities for students to interact with other
students. To the family, this option works best only when there is at least one
stay-at-home adult to supervise the child’s studies and assist with his
assignments. Of course, computer literacy is necessary for both the parent and
the child. Physical Education is
important to growth and development and since there is no online version of
this subject, the parent is responsible for building a daily exercise and play
routine. The fact is, online learning requires commitment and dedication. Not
many parents can stick to the challenge. I am aware of one such parent; she is
an Education by profession, and she withdrew her eldest son from the public
school system and committed him to online learning. The process lasted only a
few months, as though he was home with an adult, his grandmother, she could not
give adequate help and guidance. His mother would return home, tired from a
hard day’s work, only to take up the task of nurturing her son in the evening.
This exercise became unbearable and soon, he was re-enrolled into the public
school system. Virtual learning is not for everyone.
Tech Tool link: Delicious.com
This website is a very useful and
free one, once you have completed registration. It is a web-based social bookmarking tool that organizes
all your bookmarks in one place. Additionally, you can sort and share these
bookmarks. Also, while using delicious, you can view another webpage, capture the page, and save it to your delicious account. The video above outlines in detail the steps to take in using this technology.
Summary:
Technology has evolved so extensively, that there are so many conveniences at our fingertips. The reality is, however, we sometimes get overwhelmed by these technology and they are sometimes not for our good. In weighing the option of schooling a child in through the in class, traditional experience, versus the online learning through virtual schools, parents have need to take the time to weigh the pros and cons carefully, so that the choice is good for both their children, and the good of the rest of the family.
Resources:
Maloy, R. W., Verock-O, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P.
(2010). Transforming learning with new technologies. Allyn & Bacon.
Online learning is certainly not the 'silver bullet' for the educational system, but it does meet the learning needs of some students. Like anything there are pros and cons as you noted, but I think ultimately, it comes down to making a 'match' between the student and the environment. The new online environment very much can include a high degree of student/teacher and student/student interaction with both audio and video tools, so I think there is definitely improvement there...assuming teachers choose to use that. Like any classroom, there are some that are more effective than others. And, believe it or not, there is actually an online PE class! :)
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