Virtual Schooling - POST 2

As I read all the myths most of them I had heard before but there was one that really caught my attention which was " Virtual schooling is not about establishing online learning as a delivery system competing with traditional k-12 schools. It also is not about disseminating new or innovative instructional technologies. Before reading this statement I thought that was exactly what online learning was all about.

It is essentially about educational improvement, school reform, and improving academic performance in America's high schools."

As I listen to Professor Siko's video he stated that anyone could teach a online class however the Plato credit recovery class I taught for a year the district required that the instructors have a teaching certification. Not just anyone could have taught that class. I was very upset however I agree that instructors in a online class should meet the same requirements as any other teacher.

As I listened to Professor Siko's video it dawned on me we are talking about k-12 not just high school. As I pondered over that thought I began to think about children in k-6, how would they stay focused and sit long enough to complete their work in a online class. I thought about my twin grandsons and how one can sit in front of the computer for hours and the other one needs to be motivated by bright, colorful pictures to keep him interested in what is happening on the computer. From my experience I think if the teacher can come up with lessons that will keep the student engaged no matter what age then the student will be able to have a great learning experience.

Virtual School Discussion Part 1

The only teaching I have done has been in an on-line class. I was offered a job as the I.T. Coordinator/Plato Facilitator. I had never heard of a Plato credit recovery class before however I found it very intriguing. My class was for 9th-12th grade and I offered every class in the curriculum on a lap top in the computer room. What I know about on-line education is that it can be very rewarding, full filling, user friendly, patient and motivating because the class is on a computer which allows you to go over your lesson as many times as you like. On line classes also meet all standard requirements as well as levels of understanding. I think my students felt much more comfortable struggling on the computer than out loud in front of the class. I discovered that learning on the computer required students to allow themselves to try something new and learn a subject they failed in previous classes. I was very excited to teach and learn at the same time right along with my students.

The good thing about on line education is that as long as internet is available you can even do your homework on a cell phone which most students already have.  That saves the school and parents money if they do not have a lap top at home.

I found most teacher who had been teaching a long time did not care for on line education at all, they felt that it was not real teaching however the district decided all the teachers in a on line class had to be certified and have the same qualifications as any other teacher. This is one of the reasons I returned to school, to make sure I would be qualified to teach a on line class if I desired.

I decided to return to 25 yrs of healthcare employment while i complete my education because it pays a lot better than teaching . When I return to teaching it will be because I enjoy it and I really think I only want to teach on line classes.