Talk about embracing technology at school! Open High School, the first secondary school to implement an Open Source curriculum, is the epitome of such.
This approach may just be the transition that some schools (K-12) may go to. We have learned and I have stated previously that technology is ever changing. As a result, teachers have learned and currently implement new technological strategies into classrooms on a daily basis. But, implementing online education across the board in post secondary education is interesting.
Perhaps advancing to this approach transfers the accountability level for students and parents. The setting goes from formal to somewhat informal and from teacher-centered to student-centered. The teachers will actually serve as the Facilitators whereas the students must heavily rely on computer competence and doing their own work based off of instructions given via web (and not so much verbally, although some may be on site for assistance).
This setting also reminds me of a collegiate online degree or courses if you will. In addition, this approach to education resembles Blackboard, the only difference is that they can physically see their instructor (unless they are elsewhere) and blackboard users cannot (unless they visit the instructor’s office).
This setting also reminds me of a collegiate online degree or courses if you will. In addition, this approach to education resembles Blackboard, the only difference is that they can physically see their instructor (unless they are elsewhere) and blackboard users cannot (unless they visit the instructor’s office).
One of my concerns with this approach is the data collection process in which teachers search for information to bring to the classroom, sounds normal in a sense. But, I wonder if the teachers compare this with Utah’s standard course of study and build upon goals and objectives when presenting/uploading lessons. My last concern is, is it too much too soon? Are high school students ready for this? Maybe some are maybe some are not. But if it works, then that is a sign of change to come. After all, if we don’t challenge our students and continually present them with new advances and approaches to technology of the 21st century, are we doing our jobs as educators?
I really appreciate your thoughts on this school. It does change the accountability and moves from more teacher-centered to student-center. However, as you asked, is it too much too soon? I think there are some good benefits of this, but I cannot help but feel that the on-line students are missing out on the complete learning experience.
ReplyDeleteOver the past few weeks, I keep having the notion that the internet is much like the printing press. Just as the printing press allowed more and more people to access information through books, the internet will allow more and more people to access knowledge through digital media. I guess that this Open source high school in Utah is possible, in part, because they don't have to pay for software and programs. I have seen signs of a great struggle over digital information and copyright laws. Open source is kind of like a counter culture.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog, and like what you said about transferring the accountability to the parents and the students. I think this helps in improving the quality of education for the students.
ReplyDeleteThese are compelling questions you ask at the end of your blog. I don't think it is ever too soon to introduce students to alternative forms of education. I think we have to take the best practices from traditional education, and continue to build upon them to remain competitive in a global culture.