When I graduated highschool there was very little talk of online learning, so to have this option available to students now is a good idea. Although online learning is not for everyone, I believe that it needs to be an option for students in today's society. I say that this method of learning needs to be an option because alot of students are disciplined enough to stay focus and do what needs to be done to pass their online classes. For at-risk students, I believe that online learning would be ideal for them as well especially if there were more mentors/teachers avaiable to teach at risk students how to be successful in an online learning environment and assist them with any dilemmas that they maybe experiencing. Also I think these students would benefit more from a blended learning approach.
My thoughts regarding the scenarios:
Scenario 1 - If a student wanted to take a couse like calculus and the district didn't offer it I think it would be a good idea to allow the student to take a virtual learning course with an adult present or a distant learning class. Furthermore, if the student is a highschooler in Michigan this would satisfy their graduation requirement that involves all highschool students must take a online course prior to graduation.
Scenario 2 - No this can not be prevented, but I would ask the teacher if they foresee the student having problems in their class and I would ask the parents if their second son is having the same problems as their first son. From their I would have a conference with the parents, teacher and student and discuss what the problem was and if there was any solution to the matter. After our conference if the parents still wanted to put their son in an online chemistry class I would explain to the parents that the online chemistry course must meet our standards and that their son could take distant learning courses or virtual courses.
Scenario 3 - In this situation I would assess the student to see where they were academically. From their I would provide the necessary assistance and supports to help the student in meeting their benchmarks and helping them to succeed. This help maybe in the form of one blended learning stituation because the student is coming from a cyberschool and may be more accustomed to learning online. The whole idea behind the blended learning is to help the student in becoming use to a daily face-to-face learning environment.
Scenario 4 - I have co-workers who facilitate after school online learning courses and its my understanding that they do not get extra time to plan for these students but are compensated financially for their time. I don't know, maybe the district feels like these teachers don't need a planning period for classes that are totally online. This scenario will have me asking my co-workers on Monday how does the process works for them and the students.
Scenario 5 - For students with documented illnessess online learning is ideal for them. This type of learning environment allows for the student to stay on track and continue their education, resulting in them being able to graduate on time.
Keisha, I am for online learning and blended education as well. I too graduated without this type of learning option but as we know now, even as with this class, the future of education and online learning is a major to learning.
ReplyDeleteAs you mentioned, online education gives options and alternatives to fit the needs of "all" types of students for learning. Incorporating these options are good to prepare students for further education using the online environment, prepare students students for the work force using various technologies, and assist better those who have obstacles that limit them from learning in the traditional learning environment.
There scenarios give real life examples what can be expected with
online learning situations. As you have addressed, there are options and advantages to needs of online learning for successful educational outcomes for these students.
As you mentioned, high school students will do what it take if there goal is to graduate of complete a program. The option and convenience of learning virtually is an incentive a good alternative for high school students. Because of this, I would guess that drop out rates has declined.
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