Section 21f of the 2013 School Aid Act, allows Michigan further teeth in its'commitment to insuring that students are able to have opportunities to be exposed to meaningful online experiences.The state has continued to show leadership in the advancement of online learning activities for all students. Michigan was the first to truly setup guidelines for how students would have a "meaningful online learning experience (MDE,2006) and this gave districts a beginning road map of how they could proceed in enacting this initiative to positively move towards 21st century teaching and learning. A definite plan of action allows districts to look at what they might need to do in order to comply with state requirements; in terms of looking at budgets, present technology infrastructures, teacher knowledge of technology, and other changes that might need to be made.
Along with requiring that beginning with the class of 2011, all students must have an online experience before graduation , Section 21f actually appears to have more requirements to what districts are required to do in 2011. The good thing about Section 21f is that it allows students and parents more choice as to how, when, and where instruction will occurs. There are many benefits to a district having online learning opportunities. For instance, online learning can provide students with a broader, richer learning experience, allow learning to be available to students who might be sick, injured, or have a physical disability, it could offer advanced coursework, or recovery, and what about those students who might live in rural communities where courses that are needed are simply not available.
- In a rural setting, Section 21f could really be of great benefit to students who would not otherwise be able to pursue a course of study because it is just not available to them in their tiny district. I remember watching a PBS special about farm towns and how many were having a problem with losing their schools due to funding issues. Virtual schooling would allow such students to continue in and actually expand their studies to include a broader range of subjects of interest.
- The issue with being a principal and having an overbearing parent is one that occurs often in my district, where parents get upset for many reasons. Being a good listener and hearing the parent out is good start. If the parent is truly insisting on removing the student, and if the district offers an online chemistry class, I would support the parent in getting their child enrolled in an online class.
- Whenever a new student arrives to a class, I feel that you should begin some sort of assessment of student need. Because it has been determined that this student is performing below grade level, it would be wise to begin addressing the student's needs by devising a plan involving online remediation and practice that supports the student the areas showing low performance. This would hopefully help the student to be able to perform at grade level. Further, parent involvement is going to greatly help in this student reaching positive results, as it will be important that the parent support the student in making sure that time is provided at home for additional studies.
- The problem of a district embracing online learning, and attracting students from other districts is an issue that is bound to be difficult if there is no plan of how facilitators will have release time from the traditional setting. How will a facilitator plan for online instruction, as well as, for face to face instruction. This is going to be an issue with many districts, my district included, where there has to be a plan of release time, maximum amount of students per facilitator, and maximum amount of subjects per facilitator, and so on. Perhaps instruction could be broken up where some teachers present the face to face, while others facilitate online instruction, and perhaps rotate after so many weeks or months.
- A student with a long-term illness could benefit from being able to access instruction online. What Michigan has done with Section 21f is made it clear that all students should have the opportunity to access instruction "anytime, anywhere, anyway, any pace." There is no reason why a student with leukemia couldn't participate in there choice of online instruction when they are able to.
- Whether or not Section 21f is perceived as a good thing to happen, a pitfall or a problem is probably dependent on the readiness, flexibility, willingness of the various districts that must deal with this new Act. My district is not ready yet, as my school is still considerably behind in what the state is requiring as standard for online learning. My school is just at the stage of getting students accustomed to using Net Books, doing simple research, and group projects from information found on the Internet. However, the district does offer high school students an opportunity to participate in what's called a dual-enrollment program with the local community college. I think most of the K-6 schools are doing what my school does, and some less, so we have a long ways to go. I really don't think my district is that unusual, In recent readings some of the experts were say that K-12 is still very much emerging, and has a long ways to go. Of course, there is the issue of teacher knowledge of technology, as well as, those who may not have gone through a teacher program not really understanding pedagogy. Again, there's a lot to consider as districts must consider what they will look like, and what issues must be solved on the way to being able to offer online instruction.
Virtual Schooling Final Project
Rural climates are interesting because in many cases families do not have WIFI or high speed WIFI. Where my in-law's cabin is located they have internet, but it easily goes out and is relatively slow. This would make online learning difficult if you're opening videos, large PDF's, or any major Web program. The weather impacts the internet speed and accessibility as well. Students will have to be dependent on in school computer labs which may have stronger internet.
ReplyDeleteAmber thank you for reminding of some of the major challenges of serving a rural community online. I would definitely be interested in looking at how many small rural towns have good strong WIFI connections. I always figured that by now, every one has good phone and internet coverage. But you are right the weather and other variables could impact a student's ability to gain access. I remember a few years ago, I lived in a more than hundred year old house that had really think stone wall insulation, and I often; particularly after a big storm had to have my internet service rebooted.
ReplyDeleteHi Regina, point number 3 or 5 I think is really important. I have two students who have certain mdecial ailments that prevent them from climbing stairs. They are in the Blended Lab at our school to help them still get their education. Their parents are really happy with this option and the students are doing well.
ReplyDeleteI agree with virtual schooling for students that are ill. This will be a great convenience for them and they wont miss a lot of instruction. Is your school involved in virtual schooling?
ReplyDeleteIn some areas, like blended teaching, I think we will be ready sooner. My concern is that teaching online has its own issues and I don't know if enough teachers are prepared for such an awesome task that's so different from what they are accustomed too.
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