Discussion 9.2 Virtual School Course

While perusing the site for VHS courses  I noticed a lot of wonderful offerings for students of many different levels. This is something that is crucial when deciding to let students take these courses or not.  If the course is too advanced they may become even more discouraged and if they are not challenging enough the students will be bored and not do as well as anticipated.  One of the major concerns for courses such as these is the discipline that is required to do well.  Being able to construct the time-frame and keep it is necessary to stay in line with the assignments and keep on top of what is required.  Students need to understand when committing to such classes that it is imperative that they have the discipline required.  These courses could be great to start teaching young students accountability and discipline skills for preparation for college.  The awesome thing is that students do not and cannot commit to be full time. They are part time and these courses serve as supplemental learning for students who need additional help or challenges.  The VHS does not try to cancel out the traditional school setting just to enhance the learning experience of their enrolled students.  They can also aid students in helping with prerequisites they may feel that they need before they enter into the challenging world of college.  Many students think they know what they want to do and maybe courses that are offered in their field would help the students feel more secure or re-evaluate their decisions - sometimes the sooner the better.  Sometimes just experiencing something new and different is encouraging and can spark an interest in school again. 

Resources:
http://thevhscollaborative.org/

Discussion 9.1 Virtual Schools

Virtual Schools provide a free alternative to public education.  But is it real worth everything that it really costs.


Virtual Learning is not free in the United States.  It is produced at direct cost to the taxpayer, and often at the highest cost per district in the state. Corporation like K12 are for profit businesses that make profit from the same coffers that fund struggling public schools across the U.S.

The real issue to virtual education rests in the lack of real virtualness. K12s program requires parent learning coaches, a teacher to track progress, and UPS shipments of classroom materials.  Virtual school children suffer from the same lack of socialization that other home school children are confronted with.  K12's program is little more than a digital home school option which sends data to a teacher for verification and provides the student with a qualified tutor through email.  Assessments of the program have yet to show progress in a majority of the virtual academies and although the two thirds of its students suffer from poverty the K12 system does not appear to be designed to help these children.  (Layton and Brown, 2011)

The framework advertised above does have merits for students who need individual attention weather they are under preforming in a public school setting or are academically gifted enough that they need to move forward at a pace that public school cannot provide.  Self paced education or standards based RISC education, like that recently developed for Maine schools (Parkhurst 2010), is likely to become a powerful alternative to the common grade assessed schools as American education shifts through the 21st century trying to find its footing and a singular model.  Virtual schools will attempt to corner the home school market and create a privatized niche to replace failing public school systems.





Resources
Layton, L and Brown, E. Virtual schools are multiplying, but some question their educational value. The Washington Post. Retrieved from.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/virtual-schools-are-multiplying-but-some-question-their-educational-value/2011/11/22/gIQANUzkzN_story.html

Parkhurst, E.  RISC in Maine Schools   Retrieved from http://www.reinventingschools.org/2010/03/02/risc-in-maine-schools/

8.3 School Libraries Going Virtual?

I really had a hard time with this debate because I see the pro and cons of both.  It is inevitable that libraries will be completely in digital format at some point and time, I just feel that students should be able to grab onto a "real" book and read it if they want and escape from the socially required life in technology.  After reading the posts from my classmates I discovered many reasons for and against digital libraries.  I think bridging the informational gap with digital resources is and amazing option.  Again, I am on the fence about completely going digital, however, I do believe that the approach needs to be scaffolded and at a slow and steady pace.  Making such drastic changes overnight is never the best way to go.

7.2 Technology Usage Data by Generation

This data provides a brief overview of the Pew Research Study from 2010.  It shows the trend towards a more digital society in which younger participants are more apt to utilize multiple devices and rely on them for daily interaction.  The digital reliance is inferrable and growing at a constant pace.  It is quite impressive that we have older generations utilizing the technologies as well.  Technology is growing at a very fast pace and is a great source for multiple points of view on global news and information.  The likelihood that a silent generation would be a technology guru is slim but the fact that the effort is made and present is great.  The @ generation still impresses by reporting that they still follow news.  There have been some studies that show that they do not read the news only follow social media information and comment on the biased commentary provided by others.  The decline in phone calls is a bit alarming.  Noticing that there is such a dependence on texting and emails is bothersome.

Resources:
www.pewinternet.org/~/media//files/reports/2010/PIP_generations_and_tech10.pdf
www.poynter.org/latest-news/mediawire/146205/the-next-generation-of-news-consumers-relies-on-social-media-tv-web-for-information/

Computer Tool Matrix

The matrix below describes different ways to adapt computer activities into classroom environments.

It is best viewed through the following link. http://windiemfreeman.wix.com/digital-tool-matrix.

It can also be viewed in mobile format from your phone or digital device at the same address.

Teacher Training Presentation

This presentation was to show the impact of technology in the classroom.  An example of how a simple essay was turned into a wonderful and creative display of knowledge was shared.  There are some tools listed along with some really great websites.  I hope you enjoy the presentation.