Online Learning in Schools- Yes or No?

Hello Class,
        The article I chose to read this week is called "Rural Districts Bolster Choices with Online Learning" by Don W. Brown. It focuses on the importance and usefulness of having online classes offered in school. The article points out that online classes make it easier for schools with shortage on funds. It allows more classes for those students that are unable to get into their required classes. The article focuses on three different school districts and how they benefited from adding online learning.
   The first school district it mentions is Creswell School District, who in total has 1300 students. They use a sound technique for identifying students as they start the online procedure. This is useful in making sure that it is actually the students doing the assignments/tests, and not another person. Gifted students and Juniors/Seniors with a high G.P.A. are allowed first enrollment, and if there is extra room then some Sophmores are allowed to enroll as well. I feel this is a good idea because it makes students work harder to achieve good grades so that they can take online classes like their peers.
     An interesting thing that the school district does is only allow students to take courses that are not currently offered at the school. I feel this is not very helpful because they should also allow them to take those classes that fill up fast at the school. This would prevent students from missing out on certain classes that are required to graduate. Some students are known to have a problem keeping up with the scheduling and turning things in on time without a teacher to delegate deadlines. It is important to make a schedule for those students to follow so they don't fall behind.
    Another district that tested out online learning is Pleasant Hill School District with 840 students. They are offering classes for students that have already taken certain classes but need to show more advancement in those courses or need to make up credit. The school has reported that the students in these classes are showing less motivation, although they have a mentor who works with them for fifty minutes every day to ensure they are understanding the information. There needs to be another way of teaching these students so they are more motivated. The online classes offer more courses that otherwise wouldn't have enough staff to provide those classes. The main problems so far with online learning in this district are communicating with the students and also the qualifications.
    The last school district is Crow-Applegate-Lorane, with 310 students enrolled. This district offers Scaffolded Courses, including those offered to students on Individualized Educations Plans. Student's are expected to complete six percent of the coursework every single week, and their progress is constantly monitored to ensure completion. This district feels that online classes are providing technology skills needed for the students future. I agree with this idea that when we are using the computer on a daily basis for an online course, we are actually improving our computer literacy skills and technology knowledge.
         In conclusion, online courses are offering classes that are helpful in many ways. Less students are being left behind, they are able to graduate on time, they are gaining technological skills, and they are gaining motivation to improve their grades in order to take these classes. I feel adding online classes to any district will only benefit the district and the students in a positive way, and there really is nothing to lose.

-Sarah

Rural Districts Bolster Choices with Online Learning. (March/April 2012.) Brown, Don. Retrieved March 23rd, 2012 from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Rural_Districts_Bolster_Choices_with_Online_Learning.aspx.

Common Core Values for Elementary School's

   The common core values are the set of standards that teachers must go by while teaching in the classroom, and also the standards which they must meet. When they were first implemented years ago, teachers were nervous about the fact that they would have to follow a guideline for what they have to teach in the classroom, because it is nice to be able to implement certain lesson plans that seem useful. Most teachers that have had to go by these standards on a daily basis now seem to appreciate what they have done for them and now they now actually find them helpful to have in the classroom. The video showed teachers who were at one point against the core standards, but have come to really like them. 

   A disadvantage to having the core values in the classroom is that you have to follow those exact guidelines that the standards ask them to. For instance, a second grade teacher might be asked to teach a book that in past years was taught to high school students. This could cause issues, but at the same time students will be excelling faster then past students in their grade. The standards were created on the fact and evidence that they will be helpful in ones future, and they are met to exceed the expectations of the students college/career life. They are made around the standards that were previously created for teachers to follow, but they are just more grade oriented and even more important for their future. Some teachers are expected to teach subjects other then the one's they are experienced in, which has also caused some stress in certain situations. 

  I feel these standards will be a benefit to me because they will guide me as I go into the classroom and start my first teaching job. Another advantage of these standards is that it will help to determine a level for which students should be at in their testing, and also it creates the ability for states to work together with other states in making sure students are getting the best education possible. They will benefit the students by making sure they are getting all of the information they need to move onto the next level in school. 

Computational Thinking?

    After reading “Computational Thinking: A Digital Age Skill for Everyone”, I strongly agree with the idea of computational thinking used in the educational system. Computers are being used as tools to solve problems and then also to find answers to questions in the classroom. I did not have computers in my classrooms as a child, and I do feel it would have been helpful when trying to go beyond the textbook. Teachers are looking to use computational thinking in their classrooms but are unable to do so because it is so "new" and there are no rules yet. 
    Computers and technology are taking over the classroom, and the students of the future are going to be extremely skilled in this department. It is going to be useful for them when they are job searching or taking college courses later on in life. The idea of computational thinking still needs some research and experience, as it has not yet been fully demonstrated. Having a computer by oneself at all times, in order to answer questions right and to expand the mind, could end up being very useful. 
   One problem that could arise from this though is the situation where students are depending on the computer at all times. It is important for us to be able to use our minds when needed, because we will not "always" have a computer or peace of technology by our side. Students also need to be able to decide at which times it will be more beneficial to look up things on the computer, versus looking in a book or elsewhere. In conclusion, I do feel it is important to use computational thinking in the classroom, as long as it is used at appropriate times. 


-Sarah


Barr, D, and J. Harrison, and L. Conery. (2011). Computational Thinking: A Digital Age
Skill for Everyone. Learning and Leading with Technology, 38 (6), pp. 20-23.