Since virtual learning is relatively new, its real impact to students' education is still being evaluated. However, that being said, it is an interesting option for students and families that may have unique social situations or limited access to high quality educational classes due to demographics. But in light of recent events, both my own father's recent illness and that of a U of M Professor, I have become aware of a target group, children with longer term illnesses, often not included in educational assessments. Perhaps virtual classrooms may help bridge the gap for this unique target group. Children with chronic illnesses often fall behind in school due to numerous medical appointments, limited options for socializing and transportation related concerns. For these students, virtual or on line classes may offer a more flexible alternative for learning. Eliminating the need to be transported to school, ability to learn at non traditional times (e.g. evening or late hours), and minimized exposure to germs and foreign elements are just some of the benefits. Below is a video (see bottom for credits listed) describing some of the benefits and limitations to virtual classrooms. What do you think? Please send me your opinion or comments.
The Virtual Classroom: Online Learning
http://www.edutopia.org/online-learning-video
© 2005
The George Lucas Educational Foundation
All rights reserved.
NOTE: Permission for video usage in process
Release Date: 3/23/2005
Running Time: 11 min.
Video Credits
Produced, Written, and Directed by
Ken Ellis
Associate Producers:
Roberta Furger
Miwa Yokoyama
Editors:
Blair Gershkow
Karen Sutherland
Camera Crew:
Charlie Collias
Ken Ellis
Michael Mulvey
Jeremy Settles
Velocity Films
Rob Weller
Miwa Yokoyama
Narrators:
Susan Blake
Kris Welch
© 2005
The George Lucas Educational Foundation
All rights reserved.
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Kim, I couldn't access the video you tried to upload, but your posting reminded me of some things I'd read and seen about an elementary school teacher in Las Vegas, Brian Crosby, and how he and his students had worked to make accommodations for an ill classmate. Here's a link to a video that tells the story. Here, too, is a link to Brian Crosby's blog
ReplyDeleteMy best wishes to your father, Kim.
Hey Kim, very interesting and great idea. I think this is a definite opportunity. I think technology has many more options and benefits than originally realized. Very insightful.
ReplyDeleteWow. Thanks for this video. I was very skeptical about the effectiveness of virtual learning. However, that video made a convincing argument. I never thought about the possibility of an interactive whiteboard so that a teacher can provide feedback to a student in real time. Virtual schooling also helps schools like those in West Virginia that are required to offer certain classes but do not have access to qualified teachers. In your posting you state that children with long -term illnesses are often not considered and left out of assessments. I think that a great study would be to investigate the benefits of virtual learning for children with long term illnesses. My concept of an online course was a website with videotaped lectures or PowerPoint slides. The students never see their teacher in real time. However, virtual learning is much more than that. It depends on how virtual learning is approached. With additional technological resources, real time interaction between students and teachers can occur. I think this is very important and I am glad that virtual learning can provide this experience.
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