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. 
I agree with you all the way Kiylise, online learning can be very rigorous and intense. I think K-12 online classes can better prepare our students for college and 21st century learning.
ReplyDeleteHave you tried yourself online classes when you were in any of your k-12 grades?
ReplyDeleteFatina,
DeleteNo unfortunately there were no online courses when I was in K-12 lol but if there were some, I think I would have definitely been that student to benefit from them.
Kiylise, I am like you and did not have the experience of an online course in school. I think it would have been worthwhile and that I would have appreciated the opportunity to take one.
DeleteI too think that it is necessary that students experience an online course or online course experience in some fashion. I look back on my own K-12 education and wonder what I experienced. With the growth of technology within the last 10 years students and educators both should experience an online course to see what the real deal is all about.
ReplyDeleteMallory,
DeleteI really feel like the "educators" or older teachers who are not as updated to technology implementation serve as a huge disadvantage to our students. As I teach social media and computer skills workshops to parents, I'm always blown away by how few parents really are aware and up to date on technology use. How can you assist your kid with schoolwork using technology if you don't know how to use it yourself?????
Agreed !!! Sometimes I wonder is this is how myths get stated as well, assumption not education.
DeleteKiylise and Mallory, I agree that many parents and teachers need to take some technology courses. Teachers should be keeping up with the technology by taking PD or seeking assistance from teachers who are knowledgeable.
DeleteI am with you guys all the way, I always wonder how is the future of the education is going to be when this new generation start teaching the next generation. I am so excited for them and very optimistic.
DeleteI agree with you Kiylise regarding older teachers not being up-to-date with their technology skills, in some instances they do not see the benefit in using the technology and how it would streamline some of the day to day tasks, I think the mindset is if it isn't broke why fix it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Kiylise regarding older teachers not being up-to-date with their technology skills, in some instances they do not see the benefit in using the technology and how it would streamline some of the day to day tasks, I think the mindset is if it isn't broke why fix it.
ReplyDelete