Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Discussion 9-1
The popularity of virtual schools in America is on the rise. The question is, does the negative approval out way the value of virtual schools? Maryelen Calderwood, an elected school committee member in Greenfield, Mass., says, “It’s absolutely astounding how people can accept this so easily.” Calderwood believes there is a problem with kindergarten students learning virtually. This opinion is well taken but I asked are the kids engaging and is there proof of learning or not (Layton, L. Brown, E. 2011).
Virtual Schools are popping up all over the country. Infact there are positive advantages to making virtual schools available to our students according to The virtual High School located in Maynard, MA. Their Virtual schools are providing the students with a higher education. For example, students that are ahead with their high school requirements are attending collage level classes online. Virtual schools are offering classes that help with students that are behind through credit recovery. Virtual schools are providing student’s classes they would not normally get because of distance, budget constraints, or scheduling conflicts (The virtual High School 2012).
As I read the student and parent testimonials at Virtual Learning Academy (VLACS) located in New Hampshire I find similar success stories. For example a student from VLACS says, "I chose VLACS because it helped me accelerate my student career." A parents point of view, "As an educated parent, I feel VLACS has been a wonderful tool for teaching my child exactly how to do independent learning. (VLACS 2013)"
After reviewing the materials in the Module Resources and witnessing the positive outcomes of our virtual school in my district. I asked, show the proof of why we shouldn’t have Virtual Schools? Not to mention I personally could not have found the time to pursue my master’s degree with out the convenience of SNHU’s virtual school.
Reference:
The virtual High School, (2012) The VHS Collaborative Retrieved from: http://www.thevhscollaborative.org/
Virtual Learning Academy. Retrieved from: http://vlacs.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=141&Itemid=205
Layton, L. Brown, E. (2011). Virtual schools are multiplying, but some question their educational value. Published: The Washington Post. Education. Retrieved from: http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/virtual-schools-are-multiplying-but-some-question-their-educational-value/2011/11/22/gIQ
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I agree that there virtual learning is a huge convenience. I would also argue that it is not the best route of education for everyone. It requires a lot of independence and motivation.
ReplyDeleteI do agree that virtual schools can be a huge benefit to some students, especially those who are advanced and want to work on their independent learning. However, I have seen the virtual classroom not be a benefit. I know a boy at the local high school who needed to take another math class to graduate. He was not very good in math but decided to do it on APEX (the virtual class). He still was not doing very well, others were doing his assignments and he wasn't learning the material. He went to discuss his options with the teacher in charge of the online class (an athletic coach) who asked him what he felt he deserved in the class and he jokingly responded a B would be nice and the coach said a B it is and that is what he got. No reprimand for "giving" a grade to a student. The student's grades were electronically recorded and not one person questioned why he got a B when he actually earned a very low D. Now is that a true form of educational leadership and appropriateness? This student graduated but still has no concept of what he was supposed to learn through the online course.
ReplyDeleteI know, I wonder somewhat about little ones and virtual learning. I think they need socializing. I even wonder how homeschooling is and what kind of socializing those children have as well. The benefits are so great when it comes to adults who have families and need the time for work or children. Interesting scenario Windie discusses here with students not meant for online learning and trying to get grades that way. I always thought of another scenario as well which would be another person doing the work for the student and how do you ensure it is that person who is the one taking the class. That is the case for any online class.
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