After reading the resources I believe that online learning
is evolving at a very rapid pace.
The article Top Ten Myths about Virtual Schools is really
very relevant to the how people view virtual schooling and online learning. I
think it will take a lot of effort and marketing to overcome the myths.
In relationship to my original post I don’t believe I leaned
lean toward any of the myths, now anyway, as I have in the past. My
understanding of online learning has changed through my experience and
education. I have heard students and parents repeat some of the myths. I think myth number seven is probably the one
that I have heard students and parents agree with the most. From my experience I have found that online
courses are just as rigorous, if not more so than face-to-face courses.
It think Clark’s (2007) article in this week’s reading
provides a great foundation of the history of virtual courses. Sometimes, I
wonder why the history or timeline of online learning is not included as part
of the introduction of online learning.
Perhaps it would give students some insight that technology of today has
evolved and this is not something new just for today, but it has been around
and been successful.
I did at one time think myth nine was true in the fact that
the virtual or online courses needed to be connected via the use and
integration of technology. Because the technology was the center focus and took
away from the course content. I can understand the misgiving as the technology
seemed to be taking the forefront rather than the content of the course if
students had a hard time getting connections or accessing the course. What
makes the difference is the teacher and how well the course is designed.
Teachers are the directors, designers and delivers of the material the
technology is the resource tool.
While watching Dr. Siko’s presentation on You-Tube, I was
surprised to hear Michigan was the first state to initiate a requirement for
all students to have an online experience. In addition, that online courses
would be outsourced by school districts.
How are teachers and educators going to overcome these myths about
virtual schools? Will these myths fade as virtual schools become more successful?
I like your post Judy! Do you utilize online classes in your current situation?
ReplyDeleteJudy, I too was surprised that Michigan was the first state to require students to have an online experience. It made me consider the courses offered at my school and what classes actually fulfill this requirement. I agree that online education needs to have proper marketing and it confuses me about where these ideas came from. All online course I have taken have been just as rigorous or more so than face-to-face courses. Interesting these myths are the basic understanding on online learning.
ReplyDeleteHi Mallory, I think the online courses have been more rigorous than the traditional courses I have taken. Perhaps it is because there is so much more to do and the challenges of technology add a lot to the course as well.
DeleteWell why do you think these myths still exist, specifically with number seven? If online courses are designed to align with state standards, then why is the perception of "online makes it easier" still there with some students?
ReplyDeleteI was surprised like you were that Michigan was the first state to require online classes. I agree with Mallory that the online class are just as difficult and usually have a higher work load than the face to face classes
ReplyDeleteI am in Texas and it really surprise me that until now online classes is not required for students to have before they graduate from high school.
DeleteHi Sherlockwriter - I love that name. You bring up a thought provoking questions about why these myths still exist. I need to check the research on what has been studied further. My belief is things seem easier from the outside. The concept a student may believe they will have more time to research or study for an online course is accepted because they are not meeting at a specific time and place. What really happens is students find they are only seeing the tip of the iceberg. So much more is involved in virtual learning it is amazing. The myths that "online makes it easier" is a belief for some students because they do not see the big picture or the ice below the water.
ReplyDelete