Week 14-15

Although I am not directly in a school on an everyday basis I do have a strong rapport with the school and its administration. I certainly don't believe that the schools I service are equipped to handle the changes mentioned in the scenarios. The technology that is currently implemented in the schools already faces several challenges with teachers being uneducated on the use of it as well as IT and tech staff not present and easily accessible in the schools. It would be extremely hard for these schools to have to deal with scenario issues surrounding virtual schooling. I am aware of the credit recovery program offered within the school and while that may be an incredible help or start there simply just aren't enough bodies available to conquer these task. With the absence of staff theres even more of a lack of those prepared and well versed in virtual schooling to assist. 

I do feel like Section 21f is designed to help enhance the public school system but there are so many other factors that have to be considered. Who are the staff persons responsible for this implementation and change? Have the teachers had professional development on this system, method, policies and instruction? Who are designated resources for the students to ensure learning is occurring and properly given attention? These are questions I would like answered. 

If a student wants to enroll in an online learning course and the school is not prepared to be of major support for that student then all of the guidelines in Section 21f that help the student with flexibility and educational choice can become void. The school that I am in that has a huge virtual learning/technology infused curriculum is currently working on making sure qualified individuals or a third party resource is available. One the schools I service, currently shares the IT person across all 6 schools within the district. How is this an advantage to the school? While they are doing well with infusing technology within the classroom there are also a lot of pitfalls when it comes to the technology itself and I envision the same with virtual schooling and the State School Act. 

On the other hand, I know for sure that the other school I service is not equipped to handle these scenarios at all because they are still trying to gain access to more technology use. They aren't even as advanced as other schools when it comes to laptop carts and tablets. I have to be creative with my students to make sure that they are doing projects and activities that challenge them to grow using various tools and seeking out resources. Virtual schooling and the State School Aid Act is probably something they have yet to consider. 

K-12 Online Learning Part 2

Part 2

After reading several of the articles about online learning, it was the Top 10 Myths about Virtual Schools that stood out most. Most of the myths addressed, I have already heard of or even thought. Something that I thought long before I ever took an online course or got my Masters online was Myth 7: Online course are easier for students than regular courses.
I can remember always thinking that it should be pretty easy to pass an online course because you don't have to deal with a lot of aspects outside of the actual coursework. I was definitely mistaken. I was more impressed with online learning and how it really took a lot of preparation and organization on the instructors part to make an effective course. Online learning can be very rigorous and intense. It requires a lot and in my opinion, you can sit in a classroom 8 hours a day for 5 days a week and still not be challenged. Online learning helps you explore, discover and challenge you in a way that requires critical thinking, problem-solving, and even further, technical skills. After acquiring all of that knowledge and understanding how to navigate a course, you have already dispelled the myth of online learning being easy. It certainly can be just as rigorous if not more demanding than traditional classroom instruction.

The myth that I though was true was that virtual schools were separate delivery system from traditional education. After learning its truth: there are more than 500,000 enrollments in online courses across the U.S, in schools and districts, meeting rigorous state academic standards as virtual schools provide courses to students inside schools. Online courses are in all 50 states and make it possible to offer advanced courses or instruction that are otherwise not offered at the local level, and reading more about Michigan's virtual school adoption, I am more aware of how virtual schools play a huge part. I also think that the push for students to be required to complete an online course is a definite necessary. I do see the complications on the instructional side but any way we can better prepare our students for college and 21st century learning, we should.   

K-12 Online Learning Part 1

Part 1 

K-12 online learning is definitely a current yet rising phenomenon. Students are actively seeking out personalized learning opportunities. Here is a little about what I currently know and my own personal experience with k-12 online learning. The majority of my family recently moved from Michigan to Nevada and upon doing so my younger cousin is a current high school senior had to transfer her prior Michigan education and credits to the Las Vegas school district. Because of the varying differences the best option for her was online learning. Her classes were setup through a school website, not necessarily and LMS but a space that houses all of the learning modules. She was responsible for completing her assignments within a 3-4 day deadline and there was little to no group collaboration. There was open communication with the teacher via email and and phone. All of the classes took place online as well as the communication for clarity or concerns. The type of students that benefit best from this type of learning included, students who live far distances from their high school, students who only have a few credits to take, students who prefer a more focused and personalized learning experience. Most importantly and in my cousins case, students who have a few courses to take and still want the convenience to engage in an enriching internship opportunity. The type of courses that are offered included core classes such as math, science, history and english. My cousin even had gym as an elective where she was responsible for completing online activities and essays on fitness and health. K-12 online learning can be very beneficial and offer students, especially 21st century learners a unique experience .