Is it a good idea for high school students to participate in online classes?
Posted by PLB Registrar · 10 Comments
During the past week someone asked my thoughts on the following:
Is it a good idea for high school students to participate in online classes? Yes. Students are already learning online. Right now, many are learning online through their use of the internet on their own time via cell phones, computers, video games and tablets. There is a disconnect between students’ personal digital lives and their school lives. Virtually all post-secondary institutions utilize online learning either in the form of blended classrooms (online class and classroom) or online courses. As well, many colleges and universities offer online degree programs. These are merely a few of the reasons that I say not only, yes but that it is vital that K-12 students learn how to learn online before they are confronted with that requirement after high school.
Students who go directly into the work force will also face online learning requirements in their jobs as online learning now reaches all levels of careers from entry level, minimum wage jobs to top professional positions. Thanks to the declining costs of online learning it is no longer the exclusive realm of Fortune 500 corporations and companies of all sizes are now providing employee training online. Non-profits also use online learning to train volunteers as well as staff.
Is online learning a growing trend? Absolutely. Take a look at where teachers are learning. Today, more and more teachers are learning online. Our initial results of customer surveys indicated that 75% of our customers (teachers) had not taken an online course before enrolling in a continuing education or professional staff development course through Professional Learning Board. Less than a decade later, almost all of our customers have taken at least one online class. There are now teachers who have completed their entire degree program through online, both baccalaureate and advanced degrees. These teachers are bringing an online learning skill set and mentality into the traditional brick-and-mortar school. Additionally, in Minnesota for example, starting in 2012, all teachers renewing their teaching licenses will be required to have at least one continuing education course about the use of technology in their teaching.
Declining budgets are forcing more schools to find creative ways to offer courses to their students and online learnig programs can be internally developed in the district with some training. Plus, students and parents are demanding online learning. These trends combined are leading schools to adopt online learning, either by choice or through legislation.
This week’s questions for you:
- Does your school offer online classes?
- Do you teach online?
- Would you like to teach online?
I agree that students still at school must have some experience of on-line learning before they go out into the big bad world. As mentioned previously businesses are using on-line learning more and more to upgrade their staff. By providing an online version of training to staff a business can uptrain staff for minimal costs and the training can be detailed especially for their business needs. I have been trying to provide learning for the last 10 years at my school, now I am too tired and many of the other staff have now discovered it, dammit. My school caters to over 2000 students with several excellence in ??? classes.
Throughout the school on-line learning is being encouraged, however it would be more widely used if we, the teachers were given any time to either update our own skills and do research on the types of online tools available. Anyone who has started to teach on line will certainly find it is not all chocolate (yummy) and roses. There are problems that must be dealt with by the teacher such as, having the skills and time to learn new software packages, having the correct technology available for teacher and student use, students who are willing and able to use the technology to achieve positive results and of course, speed of access to the internet. It is also good if the students have a computer and online access from home, and many don’t for one reason or another.
I totally agree that ALL students should have at least been through some form of online learning before they leave school. have a great day.
Online learning is not only here to stay it is merely a part of a new approach to education. Other technologies, including social media, are increasingly used by teachers in the classroom.
Technology, when used thoughtfully, has the potential to be the “great equalizer” America has sought. If provided in a comprehensive plan to children of poverty, it can elevate learning to a customized, individualized basis. At this time, there are teachers, technology coordinators, and technology companies that are on the cutting edge of using computer learning (including online approaches) to enhance student growth.
Dr. Andy Rose
Retired Superintendent of Schools
IMAGINE
http://www.Drandyrose.com
I absolutely believe students should have the opportunity to participate in online classes. As others have mentioned, there are a variety of reasons online classes could benefit today’s students, ranging from the technological and information processing/gathering skills they will gain to the simple fact that online learning allows students in remote areas or in districts struggling with budget constraints (which seems to be all too common in today’s economic climate) to access classes that interest them, but may not be offered in their school. Online learning also offers yet another method of learning for digital natives who may not be drawn into traditional classroom instruction. Students who are immersed in technology throughout their daily lives are often asked to shut down everything as they enter the classroom. This turns off many students from school.
I have extensive experience teaching in a blended learning environment and have had great success with technology as an additional tool for motivation and information. I have not taught any purely online classes, although this is something I am very interested in. I am looking to get into the field of online education and I would appreciate any leads anyone may have to offer to this end.
Alex, In what area are you interested in getting in within the field of online education? You might become an instructional designer, subject matter expert, online course facilitator working in business and corporate training, higher education or K-12 here in the U.S. or abroad. So many exciting options. Please let us know your specific area of interest and perhaps folks will have recommendations.
Best of luck!
I have some experience in online curriculum development for high school Social Studies classes, I would be very interested in pursuing something in this field, either on its own or coupled with online teaching. I would prefer to work with high school students, but I am open to other opportunities should something intriguing arise. I have 12 years experience teaching high school Social Studies, predominately in a blended learning environment, and I have been heavily involved in curriculum development (both online and traditional) at the district level (in a district of about 45,000 students). I have a BA in Social Science Education and an MA in History.
Hopefully this will help if anyone has any recommendations or leads that may help me to pursue these goals.
Thank you!
I believe high schools need to begin creating online courses to better prepare students for college.
Possible a summer course or even summer school.
Brian, We couldn’t agree more!
Alex, You might check out the work being done over at http://www.pass-ed.com/ Good luck!
Our school is just this year beginnnig to offer on-line learning through a partnership with an on-line Academy. I’m looking forward to being able to service students with classes that our school isn’t able to offer.
I really believe that online schooling is good for students as it enhances their Creativity and Expands their imagination.