Learning Curve

By Tamara

I experienced a huge learning curve this year. One of the
most significant I’ve had in some time. I jumped into the world of virtual
education and taught a course form my district’s on-line credit retrieval
program.

Now there are numerous and vastly divergent views in our
world of education when it comes to on-line learning programs. Here is what I
learned from dipping my oar in it:

  • By offering virtual courses in addition to
    traditional classes, my district was able to keep a significant number of
    students enrolled who otherwise would have left for private on line programs.
  • On-line “learning” is NOT a silver bullet for
    failing/struggling students: if a kid can’t read at grade level, is not a self
    starter, and struggles to with attendance; what is essentially virtual
    independent study is likely not the best solution.
  • But….virtual classes do offer those kids a fresh
    start and blank slate with a virtual teacher who knows nothing of behavior
    issues, poor attitude, etc…Students also get one-on-one attention through
    email, instant messaging, and the feedback given for every submitted
    assignment. It caters to their comfort with and preference for digital
    communication. I also noticed (and was blown away by) how many of my students
    requested reading strategy support and help with organizing their writing who
    took my suggestions and ACTUALLY PUT THEM TO USE.
  • If we educators put the kind of time and energy
    into the weekly progress reports, emails/instant messages to kids “where are
    you? Why haven’t I heard from you?” and parent/guardian contact the program
    requires, I bet over half these kids would have never failed in the first
    place.

The concept of blended virtual and traditional classes is
going to be the norm-with all the good and bad that brings. If we in public
education can’t find a way to embrace that and work within that reality, the
private sector is more than ready and willing to take it on. Along with all the
funding attached.