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In my post-workout daze, I stumbled across this article in which some schools in Miami-Dade County will be replacing teachers with online learning. Now, while I am completely behind online learning (I am currently using it myself to pursue my Master's Degree) the idea of having only a facilitator in the room to address technical issues is a tad on the ridiculous side. I have students who would do very well learning independently online, but most of my students would not utilize or even manage their time well enough to be successful.
There must be a happy middle ground in which we can encourage students to use online learning but still have face-to-face interaction with a teacher for support as needed (some students need that face-to-face connection). There are days when I <almost> do not have the discipline to sit down and work on the materials for my class - but I know my responsibilities and always work to get the job done. Do we feel that our teenage students have enough self-motivation to work on online learning with only a tech-support "facilitator"? What do you think?
I have to question the judgment of that directions myself. I've been watching the politics and ed reform in Florida; here in NJ we face similar challenges. When I first saw that Florida wanted to have virtual public schools, my radar went up because I have seen how educators who have received online degrees are disrespected and denigrated as a result. While I feel this is a viable option for motivated and self-directed adults, I question it's validity for children who have not yet developed self-determination or discipline.
ReplyDeleteI love the classes I'm taking at Walden, some with you, but to be honest I did not have any work or study ethics at all as a public school student. I was my parent's nightmare and every teacher's challenge. I picked up my HS diploma in the schools main office after my summer school class and didn't know what I looked like in a cap and gown until I graduated college when I was 30 years old. I have watched my students for over 16 years now and can see myself in so many of them. I can't imagine them being successful as a solo learner.
On the other hand, I have dreams of fleeing NJ and what's happening in the name of 'reform' here. I thought Wyoming may be nice and if I could teach in one of these online schools I could work forever. The kids could prove me wrong and totally succeed in this new venue, but the pilots should be held up to rigorous scrutiny from multiple authorities.
Teaching in an online school would be great, but it would be nice to be able to interact with students - I think I would miss that the most if we went completely virtual. I suppose we could use webcams and have everyone log on simultaneously to get a sort of classroom interaction going on. Hang in there...they keep telling me it will get better and that "this too shall pass."
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