There has been an increasing interest in which kind of role that online learning can play in American high school during the past few years. Educationalist from all level of the US started to test to what extend online learning can improve graduation rates and academic programs as well as provide more options to students(Anthony,P. Jeff, S. & Day, S. 2011). To improve graduation rate, Illinois high schools began to use"credit recovery" and other activities for students to make up for courses and credit that they need to graduate. Due to illness, scheduling conflicts, academic failure, etc, students need extra credits. Online recovery courses is a dominant form in many high schools while it was not a few years ago. And high school administrators indicate that sudents need maturity, self-discipline, and a certain command of basic skills in order to succeed in these course. For many of the students who ned to recover credit are usually those who may nott have these characteristics.
"We have yet to see a vendor who has made the case that students who lack the motivation to do howme work, to engage in class, to manage their time efficiently...will be more successful in online learning,' said Samantha Dolen of Palatinebased District 211..." (Keilman, 2011)
Illinois high schools made good use of teachers and tutors to help students in their paticipation in online course. Usually students are more likely to be working on their online courses in somputerlab and library.
Although there are still some problems like financial and policy issues of online learning, the time will come sooner or later.
Reference:
Anthony,P. Jeff, S. & Scott, D. (2011). Online Learning In Illinois High Schools: Has The Time Come? Quahog Research Group, LLC and Babson Survey Research Group, US.
Keilman, J. (2011). Online Learning for Illinois High Schoolers Inspires Praise and Suspicion. Chicago Tribune. http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-04-24/news/ct-met-onlineclass-20110424_1_effectiveness-of-online-courses-innosight-institute-online-classes
I really liked the idea "using online recovery courses". Especially for students who have to give a break or totally drop out because of their ongoing illnesses, this kind of recovery can be a good solution. Despite their previous academic success, some students have to lose months or even years because of not being able to attend school.As a teacher, I hope these kind of courses can be conducted in my country "Turkey",too. Of course, as you have mentioned in your writing,in addition to some skills by students, they must have the needed devices (computer,internet,etc)which are still luxury for some.
ReplyDeleteYes. As for those students who have to break from school, it is a good way. Moreover, the courses are online. Online course sometimes more interactive than face-to-face courses. At the same time, self-regulated learning is also processing. Of course, teachers or instructors will also help.
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