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.
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Asmaa,
ReplyDeleteYour points about the students who are "embarrassed, reserved or simply afraid" being more comfortable with online learning are right on. These students are at a great disadvantage in traditional classrooms.
There are also students who had to run a gauntlet of kids looking for a fight. This was my experience. (Projects in Detroit)
Peer pressure is another issue that could be positively impacted although this might keep the painfully shy student from getting the socialization experiences needed.
I also agree that they might be more willing to join the conversation and perhaps their comments would be more thought out.
I didn't think about online learning as a solution for people who have other commitments,particularly to work or family. Taking courses online could be an alternative for teenage parents who otherwise might drop out of school. In addition, it could allow students to work full time while in high school, and help them save money for college, which is so important in the economic climate we are living in now.
ReplyDeleteHello David,
ReplyDeleteI think that instant messaging gives people more confidence. It takes away the pressure of having to look good or to make a good first impression. When students (or people in general) are communitcating through instant messaging the only thing that is being evaluated is what they are saying and not how they look.
There is so much pressure on students to look good and give in to the pressures of society that focuses on only that (looking good) that students are forgetting about what is really important, the personality and mind of an individual. The internet takes away those pressures by forcing the person on the other end to learn more about an individual before judging them.
Hey Andrea,
ReplyDeleteYeah I thought it was great to see students working and going to school. It teaching them to be responsible individuals. When I look at the high school students of today, it is very hard to see any who are serious about school or a future career. It seems like they are only living for the moment.
I also agree that there are times when it is good for a student to just focus on the learning and not on the social aspects of schooling. I am awfully scared about some of the dangerous things teens get themselves into. Drugs, gambling, sex, bullies etc. are part of the high school life that most people don't want to deal with...sometimes just focusing on the subject at hand online...is a gift.
ReplyDeleteInitially I was not comfortable with virtual schooling for high school students; however when you think about all the corruption, hate and pressure they are exposed to at school you start to look at online learning differently. It seems that our teenagers are getting worse year after year. Taking them out of a corrupt environment and forcing them to only focus on education could be something that will benefit them in the future. There are also students who are terrorized and tortured in school, this is a great way for them to get their education without having to be traumatized for 4 years. Everything students experience in high school can really impact an individual whether it be in a positive or negative way.
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