Bob
Whalen SLM 21 MC
“Learning Without Walls”
gives an overview and suggestions of questions to ask and things to think about
with online learning, focusing on the plusses and minuses of the program. 40,000 to 50,000 students were enrolled in
online courses in 2001-02. It is a “New
kid on the block.” The program will take “Time, commitment, money, training,
and energy.” The article also asks
questions as: “Are students actively attending the class? Are the courses of
good quality? Are the teachers qualified? How will students be graded? Will
computers replace teachers?” Will it result in “Socially isolated
students?” Proponent says that online
learning provides another choice for students and “Erases the barriers of
distance and brings opportunities to underserved students.”
Today 80% of Internet use is for
teacher research. The article explains
how to start online learning and think of it “As a start-up business….You need
a vision of what …online learning
should be. Which students do you want
to serve and why? Who will develop the
courses?” Who will teach? What kinds of software? What types of credit? Currently online schools use a variety of
models from state programs, charter schools, to for-profit online schools. Online schools are not cheap. Classroom teachers in online schools are
different from teachers in “Face to face” schools. Teachers can develop their own courses. Still more questions arise about the pacing of the course,
students feedback and teacher feedback.
Are the courses aligned with county, state, and national standards?
A key element of success with the
online program involves mentors and personal contact. Students need someone they can contact for help. The online program as any good program needs
to be constantly re-evaluated. “It can
be an effective tool in meeting individual needs.”
Comments:
The article made interesting reading
and provided a good overview of some questions to ask about online
schools. I especially liked the focus
that you needed to know your audience.
“Which students do you want to serve and why?” I liked the notion that online learning is “Another choice for
students.” It does take down borders
and walls especially for socioeconomic backgrounds and geography. I was surprised about the expense and the
funding required for online schools. I
do know of the time commitment with 12-hour days!
The article gave the big picture of
online learning and asked key questions about who will develop courses and
whether they would align with standards.
This article would be a good starting point for a discussion about
online schools – “The wave of the future is here now.”