While the flexibility of online learning is great, I think one huge thing to keep in mind is that it takes away from social experiences. I realize that not all social experiences are good ones, but isn't that how we learn about others and ourselves? There are times that I wish I could have missed out on some embarrassing or hard situations with other people at school, but I learned something from each one and it made me the strong person I am today. I know that some social connections are made via internet, but I don't think it can replace actual human contact and close interaction. One woman exclaimed "kindergarten kids learning in front of a monitor — that’s just wrong"(Brown & Layton. 2011). I must say that I am inclined to agree because I think that kids need to be around other children their age and have time to explore outside and learn how to get along with others. Since collaboration is such a vital skill that students need to have in order to really thrive in today's economy, I feel like sticking kids in front of a computer from the time their 5 until they graduate high school is setting them up for failure. There's still not a lot of research in the K-8 area of virtual schools, but I don't see it doing much good for younger students, but I think older students would do alright if they chose it for the right reasons.
References:
Brown, E., Layton, L. 2011. Virtual Schools are Multiplying, but Some Question Their Educational Value. Washington Post.com. Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/virtual-schools-are-multiplying-but-some-question-their-educational-value/2011/11/22/gIQANUzkzN_story.html
Virtual Learning Academy. n.d. retrieved from http://vlacs.org/
Great point, kindergarten should not be learning in front of a screen. The whole point of kindergarten was to embrace learning through exploration of the physical world to gain an appreciation for nature and be nurtured while they settle into formal education.
ReplyDeleteI agree that kindergarteners should not be learning in front of a screen. Especially for young children, learning socialization and appropriate interaction skills can be as important as academics.
DeleteJulie, Excellent post! I too also see both the pros and cons of virtual schooling. They are beneficial in helping students to receive an education with a flexible schedule, providing them with learning opportunities that may not be available at their own school, and helps them learn and collaborate with others using modern tools. However, it is difficult to replace the benefits that organized interscholastic sports, Extracurricular clubs, and other socialization learning experiences for students have access to at traditional schools. Like you, I also question virtual schooling for elementary aged children. Excellent post!
ReplyDelete"While the flexibility of online learning is great, I think one huge thing to keep in mind is that it takes away from social experiences. I realize that not all social experiences are good ones, but isn't that how we learn about others and ourselves? There are times that I wish I could have missed out on some embarrassing or hard situations with other people at school, but I learned something from each one and it made me the strong person I am today. " I agree, I think a mix between traditional school and online school would be the best of both worlds. If kids are not together with other kids and learn through that socialization process, that might present larger problems when they find work and need to figure out that process.
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