So I would love to have a little discussion on this blog about Idaho State Superintendent, Tom Luna's technology plan that he is proposing for the State of Idaho's Education in K-12.
For those who don't live in Idaho, the plan has 2 major components that are driving the most discussion and debate. The first is that every student (in 9th grade) would receive a laptop that would follow them through high school and they could keep it afterwards. (Very similar to what Maine and New York have done).
Here are some links to articles about their work:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/04/education/04laptop.html?pagewanted=all
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/learning.now/2007/05/schools_drop_laptop_programs_b.html
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25782209/ns/technology_and_science-tech_and_gadgets/
The second portion of the plan is that every student will have 2 online courses as part of their graduation requirements to prepare them for possible online education in the future.
After reading this chapter and looking at the learner-centered approach rather than the technology-centered approach it got me thinking about what would be the best course of action when comes to not only developing multimedia, but the best course in which to present the material for our students (especially relating to Tom Luna's plan).
An online class or even a hybrid would give students the option to learn differently and find out what would work best for them. However, I have also seen a high level of high school students (both good and bad students) fail online classes offered by the Idaho Digital Learning Academy, due to a lack of personal management and motivation for learning (even though I believe the instructional material was developed in such a manner to be learner-centered).
I think that as educational technologists we should be the ones with the answers on the best course for Idaho to take, but sometimes I feel so clueless when others ask me about Luna's plan that I have started with the generic answer saying, "it's all in the implementation," which has me worried since the majority of Idaho teachers are against the plan - which almost seems to be setting it up for failure before it even begins.
Hi Sam: Great post. I am wondering why Idaho teachers are so against this plan? Yes, to force all learners to take 2 online classes does not think about individual learners and forces some kids into learning environments that are not best suited to their learning needs; but aren't we doing that already in the brick and mortar schools for some learners? I think it's a leap of faith on the part of Idaho, but they're not sitting around 'not thinking' about how to use technology effectively and efficiently. And, doesn't this open opportunities for students in tiny school systems who don't have higher level classes any other way?
ReplyDeleteMy daughter is a senior in high school. She has taken two classes with Moodle supports, but not totally online. This may be a way for Idaho to incorporate online education. However, my daughter's school has all the AP classes, so accessibility isn't an issue. She can also take classes at local colleges, which may not be an option for some Idaho students.
I think they are thinking about accessibility and equity for all learners. It's new, it's threatening to veteran teachers who see their jobs on the line. Could they start with one course as a requirement and then revisit it for revision later?
Hi Sam,
ReplyDeleteI also heard that they are planning to reduce teachers! I would think they would need MORE teachers in order to implement the plan for laptops and online courses. These students need to be instructed on how to use the technology available on the laptops and of course the schools need teachers who know how to teach online courses.
--Diane
I think there will be some sort of compromise, but figuring out what is best still will take time. I have implemented a Moodle Server at our school and teachers are beginning to add supplemental material through it this past year. However, this is just a side project of mine which I have not put a load of time in the upkeep and maintenance since I am in my masters, teaching, coaching and helping with the technology coordination job on the side. I am hoping to improve the level of participation and acceptance in the future.
ReplyDeleteThe one worry most teachers have in the motivation of the students to complete a "manditory" online course. I had a 3.87 GPA student fail an online course due to not completing all the requirements on time.
I think that hybrid courses would prove to be a better situation in high school since students would still have interaction with the instructors, but get the feel and look of an online education that would come from the online portion.