Reflection #5

http://www.edutopia.org/video/movie.php?reset=cookie&keyword=137&id=Art_1270
The video I watched was called "Highschool.com." It discussed the many different public and private schools that are now offering classes through the Internet. The schools provide classes for students in grades 7-12 and in a variety of subjects, from random electives to AP classes. In the case of Virtual High School (or VHS), a group of public schools came together to create the school. Each school has at least one teacher that has committed to teaching an online course. Of the teachers interviewed, the majority of them liked having a virtual classroom. They said that they have a much more interactive classroom, and are able to meet with more students one-on-one if they need extra help. One teacher even said she feels that she can evaluate students' strengths and weaknesses more quickly in the virtual classroom than a real one. However, even the professionals agree that a student's high school experience should not be limited to only Internet classes; the school social environment has too much of an impact on students lives to be dismissed. In the end, though, it is the students that are in charge of their own education since having online courses, students have to ve self-motivated to keep up with course work. However, with a 90% course completion rate and AP students showing a 10% higher achievement on exames, these Internet classes must be doing something right!

The majority of the technology used in this video includes personal computers, laptops, and the Internet. Students also use other technology such as calculators and conference call systems for certain classes. Nearly all the technology used was student and teacher-centered; both students and teachers had to use the same technology, namely computers and the Internet, for educational success. Using this technology, I believe, does make the lessons more engaging for students. Using a computer is much more interactive than sitting in a classroom where the teacher may or may not be engaging the students. Using computers and the Internet requires students to be attentive and engaged in the what is going on during the lesson. Also, many times students can begin their lessons at a time that is convenient for them. This enables them to choose what time they "go to school" and will most likely be a time when they are more able to concentrate.

From a teacher's point of view, a great deal of planning must go into each lesson taught in a virtual classroom. One educator pointed out that one's tone of voice cannot be used in text form, so he has to be especially careful with how he words instructions and lessons. Also, teachers must take the time to develop their course website and any tools they wish to implement on that site, such as activities, discussion forums, downloads, etc. It is also important for teachers to remember that since not all their students attend the school in which they teach, the instructors must be willing to spend extra time outside of school on the phone (or using other means of communication) with students who need extra help. However, this allows for individualized time with students, as well as a great way to get to know students and develop a relationship with them. Assessment using virtual classrooms can be done any number of ways, including standard tests and quizzes. However, one could also use online activities that track students' achievement and pin-point students' strengths and weaknesses.

Overall, I saw many advantages to using a virtual classroom for a few courses during a student's high school career. Internet classes require that students be self-motivated to complete the course. Students are likely to be more engaged, and teachers can help more students one-on-one using a virtual classroom. However, I believe this only goes so far; a student who does not have a chance to interact face-to-face with their teacher loses the chance to get to know their instructor on an even deeper level. Also, it takes initiative for a student to call a teacher they have never seen or met before. If I were to ever teach a virtual course I almost feel that calling each student before class begins would be at least a good starting point to take the first step and introduce myself.