After doing a little bit of research on the technology used for this course, it seems that the technology is a very sufficient tool to use to teach online courses. WebCT is owned by Blackboard; therefore it is safe to assume that it offers many of the same features. This program should be a great tool to help teachers organize the course being taught by posting materials, assignments, due dates, grades, etc. The students are also able to communicate online through the use of discussion boards. This will be a great way for the teacher to keep track of who is participating and who is not.
The teacher is also using the Iowa Communications Network to teach this course. This is a great tool because it gives the teacher the opportunity to broadcast her lectures so that students are aware of what is going on in class. It also helps the students stay on task and reminds them that they are enrolled in a class even though they are not actually going to the campus. Also, the students have the opportunity to view the video of the teacher so that they are aware of exactly what is going on and what is required of them. This way, they will have no excuse as for why they are lagging behind.
As far as the organizational aspect is concerned, since Mrs. Wortmann is using WebCT and Iowa Communications Network, she should have no problem conveying the information to all her students. It seems that WebCT is very similar to Blackboard, since it is owned by them. Since Blackboard offers is set up in a very user-friendly manner and gives the teacher lots of control, I would assume that WebCT does the same. I would only recommend that Mrs. Wortmann uses all the resources that Web CT offers to ensure that the students are keeping up with the weekly assignments and are not falling behind. Also, I noticed that through IOWA Communications Network teachers are able to record videos for students to watch. This would be a great tool for the teacher to use to summarize the assignments and chapters read. This will help the students who do not have a great deal of time to complete all the readings necessary.
Being a distance learning teacher, Mrs. Wortmann needs to be very careful so that all her students get the most out of her course. She should have paid closer attention to her students by sending out assignments updates and reminders. She should have also given each student a syllabus so that they are aware of what is required of them and know all the due dates in advance. I would also advise Mrs. Wortmann to check up on Nick more frequently since he did tell her that he was busy and was not able to spend as much time posting and responding to blogs and emails.
As for her tests, she should change them around every semester to ensure that students aren’t cheating and include short answer questions as well so that she can see how students respond to different questions. It is nice of her to give the students two turns on each test but maybe it would be better that she gives them only one chance and an opportunity to do extra credit for students who do poorly on the exams.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Scenario 2- Benefits of Virtual Schooling
Although virtual schooling might not sound so great to many people, it actually has lots of benefits to teachers, students and parents.
It is beneficial to teachers because teachers do not have to put up with the distractions of other students who are uninterested in learning. It gives the teachers the opportunity to have access to the students 24/7 and them having access to her/him as well. Also, teachers will have more time to focus on more important things like lesson preparation and students help and feedback, as opposed to the loads of paperwork they have to deal with in an in-class setting. Also, teachers are able to grade assignments anywhere they choose, be it their porch, bedroom, etc. The grading process is also less tedious because it involves using the computer, something lots of people enjoy doing.
There are benefits to the students as well. Students do not have to feel like they are being on display all the time. They work at their own pace and can ask the teacher as many questions as they want without being singles out. Also, the students tend to have more confidence with chatting online as opposed to sitting in a classroom surrounded by dozens of people. Through virtual schooling, students are more likely to be out spoken and give their honest opinions and responses because they do not feel the peer pressure they would otherwise feel in the classroom. Furthermore, students are taught to be responsible for their work and encouraged to be more organized. They are not being distracted constantly by those students who often have a hard time paying attention in class.
As for the parents, their minds are more at ease. They are able to see what their child is doing at all times. They don’t have to worry about the peer pressure the students are facing in public schools on a daily basis. They are also able to look over their child’s work and know exactly what they are doing. Also, the parents feel more involved in the education of their child when they see him/her constantly completing online assignments and communicating with the teacher.
As you can see, everyone can benefit from virtual schooling if they take the time to look at it with an open mind.
These three website will give you a better understanding of the benefits of virtual schooling.
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/nov/24/na-virtual-schools-real-benefits/- This website discusses how teachers, parents and students all benefit from virtual schools. It gives the reader a better idea of how teachers, parents and students feel about virtual schooling.
http://virtualschools2.virtualschools.net/folders/the_benefits/- This website tells the benefits of virtual schooling and compares virtual schools to regular schools.
http://www.academicleadership.org/student_research/Virtual_Schools_An_Ethical_Option.shtml- this a journal article the discussed the benefits of virtual schools and breaks down how each group benefits from virtual schooling.
It is beneficial to teachers because teachers do not have to put up with the distractions of other students who are uninterested in learning. It gives the teachers the opportunity to have access to the students 24/7 and them having access to her/him as well. Also, teachers will have more time to focus on more important things like lesson preparation and students help and feedback, as opposed to the loads of paperwork they have to deal with in an in-class setting. Also, teachers are able to grade assignments anywhere they choose, be it their porch, bedroom, etc. The grading process is also less tedious because it involves using the computer, something lots of people enjoy doing.
There are benefits to the students as well. Students do not have to feel like they are being on display all the time. They work at their own pace and can ask the teacher as many questions as they want without being singles out. Also, the students tend to have more confidence with chatting online as opposed to sitting in a classroom surrounded by dozens of people. Through virtual schooling, students are more likely to be out spoken and give their honest opinions and responses because they do not feel the peer pressure they would otherwise feel in the classroom. Furthermore, students are taught to be responsible for their work and encouraged to be more organized. They are not being distracted constantly by those students who often have a hard time paying attention in class.
As for the parents, their minds are more at ease. They are able to see what their child is doing at all times. They don’t have to worry about the peer pressure the students are facing in public schools on a daily basis. They are also able to look over their child’s work and know exactly what they are doing. Also, the parents feel more involved in the education of their child when they see him/her constantly completing online assignments and communicating with the teacher.
As you can see, everyone can benefit from virtual schooling if they take the time to look at it with an open mind.
These three website will give you a better understanding of the benefits of virtual schooling.
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/nov/24/na-virtual-schools-real-benefits/- This website discusses how teachers, parents and students all benefit from virtual schools. It gives the reader a better idea of how teachers, parents and students feel about virtual schooling.
http://virtualschools2.virtualschools.net/folders/the_benefits/- This website tells the benefits of virtual schooling and compares virtual schools to regular schools.
http://www.academicleadership.org/student_research/Virtual_Schools_An_Ethical_Option.shtml- this a journal article the discussed the benefits of virtual schools and breaks down how each group benefits from virtual schooling.
Monday, March 16, 2009
My advice for scene 1
After viewing scene 1 of the scenario, I noticed that the school has very outdated resouces. The computers are really old and do not support much of any type of software. The first step the principal took was a good one, purchacing new and more advanced computers. I would also recommend that the school gets more information on the software requirements of Elluminate to ensure that the software will be easily installed on the computers purchased. Listed below are the Minimum System Requirements of Elluminate:
All clients are required to have:
Java versions 1.5 or 1.6
20 MB free disk space
Soundcard with speakers and microphone or headset (or telephone for Telephony users)
28.8 Kbps Internet connection
In addition to the above requirements, each server requires the following:
Windows Client
Windows 2000/XP/Vista
Pentium III 1 GHz processor
256 MB RAM
Macintosh Client
Mac OS X 10.4 and 10.5
G4, G5 or Intel Processor
256 MB RAM
Solaris Client
Solaris 10
UltraSPARC 500 MHz
256 MB RAM
Linux Client
Red Hat Linux (RHEL4), Novell SUSE 10
Pentium III 1 GHz processor
256 MB RAM
Futhermore, I would recommend that the school gets technology teacher or coordinator to assist with the software, hardware, and technology needs of the school and to help students who would like to take virtual classes.
Here are three websites I would recommend the school to look at.
1) http://www.elluminate.com/index.jsp- this website will provide the school with more information on the Elluminate Software so that the school know exactly what to purchase.
2) http://www.inacol.org/resources/docs/NACOL_PDforVSandOlnLrng.pdf- this is a report that examines the types of professional developments necessary to implement successful online learning initiatives.
3) http://www.districtadministration.com/viewarticle.aspx?articleid=1094- this is an article that discusses ways administrators can create effective virtual school programs.
All clients are required to have:
Java versions 1.5 or 1.6
20 MB free disk space
Soundcard with speakers and microphone or headset (or telephone for Telephony users)
28.8 Kbps Internet connection
In addition to the above requirements, each server requires the following:
Windows Client
Windows 2000/XP/Vista
Pentium III 1 GHz processor
256 MB RAM
Macintosh Client
Mac OS X 10.4 and 10.5
G4, G5 or Intel Processor
256 MB RAM
Solaris Client
Solaris 10
UltraSPARC 500 MHz
256 MB RAM
Linux Client
Red Hat Linux (RHEL4), Novell SUSE 10
Pentium III 1 GHz processor
256 MB RAM
Futhermore, I would recommend that the school gets technology teacher or coordinator to assist with the software, hardware, and technology needs of the school and to help students who would like to take virtual classes.
Here are three websites I would recommend the school to look at.
1) http://www.elluminate.com/index.jsp- this website will provide the school with more information on the Elluminate Software so that the school know exactly what to purchase.
2) http://www.inacol.org/resources/docs/NACOL_PDforVSandOlnLrng.pdf- this is a report that examines the types of professional developments necessary to implement successful online learning initiatives.
3) http://www.districtadministration.com/viewarticle.aspx?articleid=1094- this is an article that discusses ways administrators can create effective virtual school programs.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Virtual Schooling- Part 2
I have been working at a public charter school for the past 6 years. It wasn’t until my second year of teaching that we got a telephone installed in our classrooms. That was then followed by 1-2 computers in each classroom…without DVD players and some don’t even have CD players. And now, six years later, we finally have 3 smart boards and a laptop cart in our school. Technology is being adapted into our classrooms slowly but surely.
Looking at this technology trend in my personal school over a 6 year period, I was surprised to see that Michigan was one of the schools that had been discussed in the Clark article. I would not have guessed that at all.
Reading the Clark article and 10 Myths about Virtual Schooling enlightened me on the topic of virtual schooling. I was right when I had stated that students are more willing to express themselves online as opposed to in a classroom setting. It was also interesting how they discussed how teachers work longer hours because they are using the computer constantly to communicate with the students. I can relate to this because this year I started posting homework assignments online instead of through weekly packets. I also communicate with a few parents via email. It really is a constant task making sure that all the emails are being responded to and all the student messages online are being read and responded to as well. I do however feel that even though I am reading and responding to messages more frequently, it is easier to communicate with the parents. I feel like it strengthened the relationship between the parents and me.
I guess virtual schooling does have a lot more benefits that are perceived. Students are learning in a way that is beneficial to them and teachers are teaching without the usual distractions that they usually experience in a classroom setting.
Looking at this technology trend in my personal school over a 6 year period, I was surprised to see that Michigan was one of the schools that had been discussed in the Clark article. I would not have guessed that at all.
Reading the Clark article and 10 Myths about Virtual Schooling enlightened me on the topic of virtual schooling. I was right when I had stated that students are more willing to express themselves online as opposed to in a classroom setting. It was also interesting how they discussed how teachers work longer hours because they are using the computer constantly to communicate with the students. I can relate to this because this year I started posting homework assignments online instead of through weekly packets. I also communicate with a few parents via email. It really is a constant task making sure that all the emails are being responded to and all the student messages online are being read and responded to as well. I do however feel that even though I am reading and responding to messages more frequently, it is easier to communicate with the parents. I feel like it strengthened the relationship between the parents and me.
I guess virtual schooling does have a lot more benefits that are perceived. Students are learning in a way that is beneficial to them and teachers are teaching without the usual distractions that they usually experience in a classroom setting.
Friday, March 6, 2009
My Thoughts on Virtual Schooling
I am not very familiar with online learning however I recently viewed a case study on schools in Las Vegas and it showed some examples of online learning and virtual schooling. I thought it was very interesting. Teachers and students both enjoyed the online teaching/learning environment. It seemed very flexible and it gave the students the opportunity to work full-time jobs along with getting a high school education. The teachers also seemed so much less stresses. Since all assignments were given via email, it reduced the paper work for the teacher and the teacher was able to grade the work at his/her own convenience.
From viewing the video, it seemed as though virtual schooling was very similar to the online courses we take at Wayne State. The students are working from the convenience of their own homes and the teacher is doing so as well. It kind of eliminates peer pressure, bullying, disrespect toward the teacher and other issues that would usually arise in an in-class setting. I also feel that online classes help students become more open and show their true personalities. Students are often embarrassed, reserved or simply afraid to make a mistake in a class setting. With online schooling, students do not feel the pressure of needing to impress students around them. They also might be more likely to speak out about certain topics of discussion with other class members more freely because of the lack or peer pressure and boost of confidence the internet gives to individuals.
It seems like the students that usually would take online classes are ones who already have other commitments to work or family and have found a great way to be successful at both simultaneously.
From viewing the video, it seemed as though virtual schooling was very similar to the online courses we take at Wayne State. The students are working from the convenience of their own homes and the teacher is doing so as well. It kind of eliminates peer pressure, bullying, disrespect toward the teacher and other issues that would usually arise in an in-class setting. I also feel that online classes help students become more open and show their true personalities. Students are often embarrassed, reserved or simply afraid to make a mistake in a class setting. With online schooling, students do not feel the pressure of needing to impress students around them. They also might be more likely to speak out about certain topics of discussion with other class members more freely because of the lack or peer pressure and boost of confidence the internet gives to individuals.
It seems like the students that usually would take online classes are ones who already have other commitments to work or family and have found a great way to be successful at both simultaneously.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Global Community
One activity that I particularly liked to help promote a global community was ePals. ePal is a great way to introduce students to a safe way to social network. It is great tool for students and gives them the opportunity to have their own, safe email accounts. They are also able to post blogs and collaborate with one another in a safe and productive manner. It is also great how teachers are given school homepages for students and parents to have around-the-clock access to the events that are taking place in the class. Students would benefit greatly from having access to websites that are geared toward education and other members of the global community who are working toward the same objective. With all the corruption and dangers that come with the web, having a safe community of students and educators helps reduce the problems that would otherwise arise if students were communicating in an open network.
I also like how students are able to me mentored. There are many students now who have many issues that they do not feel comfortable discussing with their parents. Through mentoring, students are able to get the same advice and help without feeling as much pressure.
I also like how students are able to me mentored. There are many students now who have many issues that they do not feel comfortable discussing with their parents. Through mentoring, students are able to get the same advice and help without feeling as much pressure.
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