Opening Abstract from the Article: "As a seventh-grader, Kelsey-Anne Hizer was getting mostly D's and F's and felt the teachers at her Ocala middle school were not giving her the help she needed. But after switching to a virtual school for eighth grade, Kelsey-Anne is receiving more individual attention and making A's and B's. She's also enthusiastic about learning, even though she has never been in the same room as her teachers."
As the popularity of virtual, or online, college education increases, some believe an online K-12 education is feasible as well. Online schools boast an increase in educational opportunities and an enhanced learning experience for K-12 grades, emphasizing collegial expertise. Obviously, we can spend quite a bit of time discussing the pros and cons of such educational experiences, but I am choosing to question a few of the pros and cons regarding one aspect in particular as it pertains to a class discussion regarding segregated schools. With the prevalence of violence in public schools, the increasing lack of proper resources and accommodations, and the overall sense of dismay about public education (to name a few of the current issues), will a virtual school provide opportunity for a more truly "integrated" classroom experience that will better prepare students to contribute to the society in which they live?On one hand, we can argue that online schools may be a better way to integrate students because a greater sense on anonymity exists online than in the classroom which may provide some students with more confidence to take part in online class discussions. Even in our class, some students said they favored the use of blogs because it provided such an opportunity. Some programs are designed with a "work at your own pace" type of curriculum, allowing students with disabilities or learning difficulties to take more time to work on and understand the subject matter with increased "personal" attention while also allowing others to complete the material at a faster speed, avoiding the boredom that occurs in a traditional classroom. Additionally, supporters of online education state that curriculum for those in schools with limited resources is increased because students now have access to virtual classrooms of many subjects not available at their schools. The online courses also serve the technological interests of the current society, and will, therefore, give students a better understanding of computers than may have been gained otherwise. Some may also go so far as to say that socio-political or socio-economical traits such as class, race, religion, and such do not exist online.
On the other hand, however, we must look at whether the implementation of these ideals are successful in eliminating some of these issues. The article and some of the supporting information does not address how underserved populations get access to these schools -- and even the computers and online access which are no doubt a necessity for the school work. Some virtual schools, like the Florida Virtual School listed in the article, do provide "grants for online learning opportunities, with an emphasis on underserved populations," but the challenge regarding available resources is still unanswered until more information is provided about the amount and length of the grants. How are other resources such as text books provided? Are they available online free of charge? Can they be mailed to the students for use during the class and then later returned? Again, in terms of computers and online access, yes, some have access to these through public libraries and such, but then what about the related transportation issues this causes? Also, albeit a lot of social communications are taking place online, students can still greatly benefit from in-person social functions. How else are they going to learn how to interact and network with others in a more formal setting. Virtual schools, then, may become a dependent source of communications, in turn isolating some from society instead of teaching them to be an integral part of it. Yes, as stated above, some students may be more likely to interact with others online, but we do have a responsibility to help them interact with others in an offline world as well. Resource allocation in every regard still continues to pose a challenge to education -- even in the online realm.
Perhaps instead of looking at virtual school as an either/or situation, we can find a way to better incorporate distance and virtual learning opportunities into our communities. Maybe the courses can be taught and completed online (maybe via computer centers at schools and libraries), but schools can still exist to provide the social responsibility to our students in terms of arts, music, sports, and other extra-curricular activities. Also, perhaps this could be a way to offset certain budget limitations which might allow for greater access to vocational programs and other programs to enhance "life skills" such as finance/budgeting, home economics, and such. Obviously more research is needed to find a way to better incorporate this idea of a combination approach because I have only begun thinking about some of the different possibilities and obstacles and politics involved and know there are several more issues which need to be addressed in areas such as staffing, curriculum development, and funding.
I am curious about what others think about this topic -- especially when considering your own personal experiences. Do you think online courses could be a better way to integrate children in their schools and societies? What experiences have you had in this area -- were they only while in college or did some of your high schools provide experiences for additional communications in the form of online blogs, etc.? Finally, do you think that race, class, and other similar issues would be as big of a problem in virtual settings as they are in public schools?
6 comments:
If you think about it, wouldn't online programs decrease diversity since it minimizes interpersonal communication?
Thank you; I didn't really think too much about it directly in that way originally. Although online communication may allow people of different diversities to communicate more easily/often than they might in a physical setting, how will people learn to interact better with each other in society if not given the chance do so -- again, another aspect that can be considered when possibly combining the two programs. Maybe an assignment online can eventually turn into group work offline or something like that.... who knows. Interesting point!
I really found the online programs a compelling and interesting idea. It really made me question would such programs truly decrease diversity or increase integration? From your own entry, I can really see the two sides. In general, I found the idea of a virtual school to be very fascinating. It seems that a virtual school provides many advantages, as you mentioned in allowing for disabled and others unlimited time in their work. However, it seems to also have its' disadvantages. I agree that it could provide opportunity for a more truly "integrated" classroom experience, because no one would have to physically interact, and therefore race, ethnicity, and backgrounds would never be known. As you mentioned, even in class, many of us raised our hands, when asked whether or not blogs were preferred over class discussion. You are right in that a greater sense of anonymity exists online than in the classroom which may provide some students with more confidence to take part in online class discussions. However I do have to coincide with ms.educated's point in that online programs can be looked at in a different light, as it also decreases diversity since it minimizes the "interpersonal communication" between students. In order to learn the most about ourselves and others, we need to be physically linked and communicating with our peers and teachers. Also, resource allocation does seem to be a problem in providing this access to those in minority or poor backgrounds. I think we could consider these virtual programs for some subjects, but the real solution lies in the schools themselves. We need to find better staff and policies to guide students in the best direction.
Socialization of children is so crucial. I have close friends who home school their children. These children are brilliant. They know things that other kids their age know nothing about. They are allowed to work at their own pace at each subject. They are never bored. It sounds like the perfect situation, doesn't it? The only problem is, they are not being exposed to others outside their home. They are starved for friends and interactions with peers. They are so used to being together as a family that when their nuclear family members are not surrounding them, they feel lonely and apprehensive.
I feel that even though these brilliant children are learning amazing things from their mother, they are missing out on so much. No matter how intelligent their mother is, they will never learn anyone else's opinion than hers. As their mother and their teacher, I imagine it is difficult for her to remain objective... and see these children and their needs for who and what they are, instead of her ideologic view of them.
Distance learning and home schooling can not provide the sense of community that I feel is necessary to the development of each person. I have never taken an online course. Perhaps if I had I would feel differently. I know myself well enough to know that I thrive on the feeling of being a part of an actual classroom with real people, and a meeting time, and a teacher with expectations of my preparedness and my timeliness. I believe these constructs of the classroom form us into responsible and disciplined persons and prime us for our future careers.
Let us not forget to mention our interactions with others outside of work. How would we make friends, meet lovers, learn to deal with conflict? ...and the list goes on...
I do, however, love these blogs. I think it is a great idea to incorporate this technology with the actual classroom. :) I'll stop rambling now. :o)
I definitely agree about the need for socialization of children. As I said, perhaps a combination of the two programs could be conjured. Schools can provide extra-curricular activities to get students together -- I think teamwork can be an excellent opportunity for students to interact and learn from each other, not just in sports but with other events. Maybe developing various social clubs (I think most schools have these already) allowing them an easier opportunity to bond under common interests. As mentioned, using blogs, etc. for discussion enhancement might help give all students an opportunity to speak their opinions in a more non-judgmental setting perhaps. Maybe this combination is something to be considered to address the weaknesses of both online and offline programs and to incorporate their strengths into a stronger educational system for all students.
I think that if people were to only use online courses not only would diversity of how the classroom setting is SHOULD be go down the drain, but people's social skills would go with it. I do think that some types of online classes would be good thought. Like you said people learn at different paces, so it would be nice to have extra time to do things your own way and learn the same subjects that are taught in a regular school setting. I also know families that homeschool their kids and they are so out of touch with the world. They have ten kids, all homeschooled and rarely leave their home. The oldest girl is going on 19 years old has never had any real friends outside of home, never had a boyfriend or even a crush on a boy for that matter. She doesn't even want to go to college in fear of the world. She just wants her dad to find her a husband, get married and have babies. I think it is sad that someone could really never want to have any real relationships, love or just friends. SO any ways, i think that there should always be some sort of social networking, not just online courses, because it cuts people of from the world and what they do learn about the world from other people is just scary.... they should LEARN that on their own!
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