Posted by admin on December 28th, 2009
Google Wave, the upcoming communication and networking tool which Google plans to release in 2010, already has educators excited about the growth opportunities it may bring to online education. As a web-based service, the possibilities for online students to collaborate from different locations are definitely out there; through increased collaborative learning efforts, students will be able to reach their full potential by working through problems with other students and institutions worldwide. Schools will be able to enhance their delivery methods through the use of different applications, which allow institutions to combine the features of different websites to create the optimum learning environment. Even better for students and institutions is the possibility of institute-created applications, which could provide students with new, no-cost education software.
Although Google Wave is only available in beta form, you can request an application to try it out yourself directly from their site. For more information about Google Wave, check out this article.
Posted by admin on December 21st, 2009
For years, the US has been compared to other industrialized nations across the world when it comes to our educational standards. The media tells stories of how far behind our children are compared to the children of other nations, like China, especially when it comes to our math and sciences. Presidential candidates always seem to make education a part of their platform during the race for office, but how many have truly followed through with their original plans/promises?
President Bush signed the “No Child Left Behind” Act into law during his presidency with the hopes of bringing all of our children up to, at the least, a proficient level in their studies. Unfortunately, without a budget to really back this type of undertaking it became somewhat of a joke to professionals and teachers in the education industry. Unfortunately, the plan backfired and with such pressures on the schools to achieve certain levels, teachers have begun “teaching to the test” instead of taking the time to make sure students grasp the knowledge their being given and know how to actually apply it in a real-life setting.
And, recently, the Obama Administration has urged everyone to go beyond their high school diploma to achieve their associates or bachelors degree. His plan includes more funding for early-learning programs as well as an item to address the current affordability of higher education and how to make it more accessible to everyone.
So, what are your thoughts? Are we struggling in the world market because of our current educational system? Should students start going year-round as in other industrialized countries? What are your thoughts on the state standardized tests that are being given to gauge our children’s’ success in school?
Posted by admin on December 14th, 2009
Have you experienced Second Life yet? It’s a virtual world where you can live, work, and play using an avatar with your characteristics. It’s become so popular that now some universities are beginning to use the virtual reality world as a means of training nurses and other medical professionals.
Using the virtual world gives students access to medical experts from all over the world that they may not have had access to in a traditional classroom setting. It also allows access to volunteers who act as patients that the students can diagnose using various diagnostic tests without accruing the costs associated with such an effort in a real medical setting.
Should a virtual world be used to train the individuals who care for us and our families? What happens when these individuals are thrown into a real-life situation? Sometimes it’s easier to diagnose and treat a problem from a distance when you know that your mistake won’t necessarily cost someone their life. Could this potentially be detrimental to the medical profession?
I can definitely see this being a fantastic resource in that it will connect world-famous specialists with medical students from all over the world. They can tap into the minds of these specialists and learn about their techniques and thought processes which can only enhance their own skill-set. BUT, I’m still a little skeptical. What do you think?
Posted by admin on December 7th, 2009
Virtual High Schools have been moving to the forefront of the distance learning landscape over the recent years with the growing popularity of online learning. Until now, “night school” and charter schools were the only alternatives to attending a full-time program at a local high school. These up and coming virtual high schools are opening the doors for families across the country whose children are in need of an alternative. They’re bringing education to those children who have, perhaps, not been successful in traditional learning environments or who are served better in non-traditional environments. These learners include: home-schooled students, full-time wage earners, students with health or physical challenges; and those who may have struggled socially in a traditional school. Virtual schools also provide a place for homeschooled students or those that have barriers to attending physical school, such as those live in remote areas or have disabilities. It even gives students in a program at a traditional high school a way to make up for lost credits.
Choosing an online high school is a challenge. Parents need to find a virtual program that offers an accredited diploma and provides academic support for students, all without breaking the bank. Asking the right questions will help you find the online high school that best meets your needs. Here are some important credentials when reviewing your potential school:
- Accreditation. An online high school that is regionally accredited, like Penn Foster’s high school program, will have the widest acceptance.
- Curriculum. Your online high school should have a time-tested curriculum that meets your child’s academic needs.
- Quality of instructors. Be wary of online high schools that hire teachers without a college diploma or teaching experience. Teachers should be credentialed, know how to work with teenagers, and be comfortable with computers.
- School’s history. Online schools come and go. Choosing a school that has been around for longer, like Penn Foster High School, can help you avoid the trouble of trying to transfer schools at a later date.
- Graduate percentage. You can learn a lot by an online high school’s graduation track record. If a large percentage of students drop out, you may want to reconsider.
- Additional help for struggling students. If your child is struggling, you need to know that help is available.
Are you or your child thinking of enrolling in a virtual high school? What benefits/drawbacks do you see with online high schools?
Sources:
http://distancelearninginmo.blogspot.com/ http://distancelearn.about.com/od/virtualhighschools/a/OnlineHighQ.htm
