Name: David
Period: D
Topic: Education
Current Event Posting #1
Title: Anytime, Anywhere
Writer: Carlo Rotella
Publication Name: NY Times
Date of Publication: 9-16-10
Length: 450
Online courses and software programs in schools have been increasing in great numbers recently. According to a study done of the K-12 levels in school, there were only 50,000 students enrolled in online courses in 2000. As of 2008, there were over a million students enrolled in partially or completely online courses. Also, almost 200,000 of these students are in online virtual schools for 100% of their education. These online classes apply to students from all levels in school, from those enrolled in AP classes to those who are looking to receive credit so they do not have to drop out of high school. President Obama and the Department of Education are strong supporters of online courses and this will be a big part of the National Education Technology Plan that will be released later this month. Some people disagree with online education but most are in favor of it as it would allow people to take many classes that not all districts are capable of offering.
In conclusion, online courses and classes have been significantly increasing in popularity over the past several years. These are good for people of every learning style and level because they offer classes of all types. I think that this is a great improvement for our country’s education because students can enroll in any classes and are not just limited to those offered in their schools or districts.
I think this has two sides to it because it can cause more teachers to loose jobs. This would mainly because it would call for less teachers that schools would need to hire. However, this form of education allows students to be more independent and can help students be more prepared for college; where attention from teachers is seldom.
ReplyDeletei think it isnt good cause kids should learn in class not in computer, plus classes you can interact with others not be in front of a computer
ReplyDeleteOnline courses certainly can be helpful for students in many ways. But learning in class requires more from the student and require student more effort. I think taking classes requires students to interact with classmates and teachers and can learn more from discussions.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with this especially for the elementary school part. One of the most crucial parts of kindergarten and elementary school is to be able to socialize and be able to share and cooperate with people to be successful in life. People need more interactions with their friends and teachers in my view to truly get a good education.
ReplyDeleteI think there are benefits to both classroom and online learning. However, In elementary school I agree with Gavin that it isn't appropriate. Most kids at that age level are still learning off a very visual sociable level. In my opinion, online courses would deprive them of their maximum learning ability. However, in Middle school and High School, these online courses might be more appropriate but only in some cases. I don't think K-12 as a whole should be subject to one decision. A child's learning behavior mutates with age.
ReplyDeleteOnline courses have definitely transformed the way that high school students can learn. They also give opportunities to take classes that aren't provided at ones school, thus eliminating the limit one has in taking classes. However, I do not agree with the fact that K-8 graders will be given a chance to learn online because elementary and middle schools are not only a time for students to learn the basics and fundamentals of subjects, but a time for the kids to be exposed to a social life.
ReplyDeleteThe evolution of technological education seems rapid, but seeing as Obama and the Department of Education support it and seeing that individuals do not need to miss out on a good education overall I would say this is an efficient and useful advancement in the world.
ReplyDeleteOnline courses has its positive and negative effects. It allows students to take classes without actually going to school making it easier for them. However, with more and more students doing online education, teachers will start to lose their jobs.
ReplyDeleteI don't think an online education is effective at all. It eliminates class participation and students will not gain the self confidence they achieve when speaking in front of a class. Also students spend a lot of time in front of the computer, why increase that much exposure. This adds to the fact that teachers will lose their jobs.
ReplyDeleteI think that online classes provide some unique advantages, such as providing more flexibility for the student. However there are advantages of both and different students with different learning styles prefer different environments. Therefore, I think it's good that online classes are becoming more available in addition to classroom learning.
ReplyDeleteCertainly online classes couldn't effectively replace the classroom experience, but I think that if used to supplement in class learning it could be a good thing. Not everyone receives stellar education, in a lot of school districts budgets and subjects are limited. For those to whom education is limited or unavailable completely, online classes could be the perfect solution. They could improve the efficiency and quality of education, as well as expand opportunities for motivated students. That said, it eliminates the social aspect of school, which is just as important. Online schooling, at least in this form, will never replace the classroom, but I think it's a great complement.
ReplyDeleteElementary school doesn't just teach the fundamentals and basics of reading and writing, but it also teaches you how to socialize and make friends. With the invention of this new school system, kids will become lazy, fat and anti social. They will never learn how to talk to people and get outside. These kids will be glued to their computer screens.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with this article because, from what I remember when I was in kindergarden and elementary school is making projects with friends and a lot of hands on activities. This is not possible if you are taking classes through the computer. Also, children won't learn social behaviors and how to interact with other kids if they are taking classes only through the computer.
ReplyDeleteI think this gives kids who aren't able to attend physical school an opportunity to learn, which is so important. Sure, the classroom experience is great, but if it's a choice between not going to school at all and going to school online, it's better than nothing.
ReplyDeletei am at somewhat a disagreement because online classes are good (i took my living skills class online) and it probably helped me in the long run but elementary school classes are really ridiculous. most kids need to play in the sun and need to learn how to build up their social skills before they get boxed away in their own home. and in the home there are usually distractions and kids might not retain as much as if they actually got up in the morning and physically went to school.
ReplyDeletei think online classes might reach a point where there might not be anymore schools and everything is just done online (highly unlikely)
I completely disagree with this article Because as a couple people were saying on the comments is that when your young and in K-5 you want to have more constructive things like painting and group activity's and i feel if they are changing to all online courses the young students these days will be missing out on elementary school fun!
ReplyDeleteI disagree with the article because students need to meet people have people skills to talk to one another rather then being in a class at your house.
ReplyDeleteGeneral comments to ALL students: Watch your grammar, spelling, etc. I want your comments on the student's work not the article itself. Your COMMENT should be specific in its observations about the student's write up.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Gavin. Apart of being a kid is socializing and having fun. When you're young the best time to start broadening your social skills is in Elementary School where it's much easier to communicate. Not only that but, learning in person, is much more effective, especially when you are younger and your brain is just developing. If little kids start using computers and all, the material learned would not be as effective. It would be better to go to school, and come home from school and then do some extra online courses for extra credit or, just to get a better grasp on it.
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