Scenario 1 – It would be feasible for the student to enroll
in an online course at a local school district that offers open enrollment to
students outside of the district to take the course(s) needed. In addition, the districts have allotted
funding to cover expenses associated with students taking online courses if it
meets the criteria of Section 21f. The
open enrollment option will be beneficial for the student as well as for the
school. The student will be able take
the course, the school don’t have the added expenses associated with offering
the course (enrollment, salaries, etc.) and there is a capped amount that the
school is required to pay for the online course.
Scenario 2 –
With the consent of the parent, a student can take an online course if it meet
the following criteria: The course must appear in the district or statewide
catalog, second, the course provided must be an interactive internet connected
learning environment from teacher and by time or both. If the parent has made the decision of how
they want their child educated I would not try to prevent it, if it is in the
best interest of the student.
Scenario 3 –
The student can be denied if s/he does not meet the prerequisite, knowledge and
skills needed to be successful in online course and if the courses taken at the
previous cyberschool are not sufficient in quality and rigor as the courses at
new school however, the student can be placed in an alternative course or
similar course of an acceptable rigor or quality.
Scenario 4 –
The teacher should be able to participate in facilitating online courses,
stated in PAM 5-O-D: Expanded online learning courses provided in an
interactive Internet connected learning environment students are separated by
teacher and time or both, which means that time can be allotted that better fit
the schedule of teacher and student.
Scenario 5 – The best option for the 12th grader
would virtual online learning. Stated in PAM 5-O-A a student may receive academic
instruction through self-scheduled learning where student have control over
time, location and pace of their education and have the option of taking
unlimited courses as long as student is seated with a certified instructor.
Majority of the schools that I have worked with in the past
are not equipped to handle online schooling due to lack of resources (funding,
teachers, etc.). The changes that need to take place in schools to provide
quality online courses will happen over time however the changes are occurring
faster than some schools are able to keep up with changes.
Vicky,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that schools aren't equipped due to a lack of funding or teachers. How do you think Section 21F will play out with unprepared, unequipped schools? Will the students have to figure out online learning alone? Who will serve as their support?
In my opinion, I think the most logical way for unequipped schools to prepare for section 21f is to come up with a plan to implement courses in phases and in that process they can determine who and how many facilitators will be needed. An incentive can be offered to teachers to facilitate courses and also the can serve as a support to students. In the online environment student will have to more self-reliant. Along with any newly implemented plan there will be issues as well as changes to improve process.
DeleteVicky,
DeleteYour plan sounds logical and effective. This eliminates students from being completely lost in the process. The students who need to be more self-reliant can then utilize those teachers for assistance. I know at my school there are a dozen of technologically savvy teachers who would definitely love a plan as such.
I really like that you broke up the different scenarios. The scenarios sound much more "doable" after you breaking them down and stating what could be done. I still am fairly certain that my particular school is no where near ready to embrace these changes. I spoke to my principal today about 21F and he didn't even know what it was (to his credit, we are K-8). I am excited to see what happens when we build our high school over this next year!
ReplyDeleteI wonder how many other school administrators are unaware of section 21f. I am curious to how this information is being communicated to school leaders.
DeleteMe too!
DeleteI also like how you separated the info into scenarios. I asked a teacher at our high school if there was a big demand for the hybrid/blended learning classes they offer. She said no, most students satisfy the online requirement by taking classes that are infused with technology. However, some students do prefer the hybrid/blended classes, and they will be offering more for the 2015-2016 school year. It seems that there is enough interest, and changes will happen slowly.
ReplyDeleteI agree that changes will happen slowly. Isn't it interesting how some school administrators are aware of section 21f and some are not? If this is a requirement of schools, I think a better form of communication need to be explored.
DeleteYes! We have a yearly professional development day for the entire district (and other trainings throughout the year by building). You would think that 21f would have been discussed at some point.
ReplyDeleteExactly! You would think!
DeleteI agree, how can anything be accomplished if you don't know what need to be accomplished.
ReplyDelete