Journal #9

The article, “Virtual Schooling” by Niki Davis and Dale S. Niderhauser examined the phenomenon of virtual schooling which is changing how K-12 education is defined. It is no surprise with the presence of Internet in our everyday lives that someday students would be able to learn without stepping foot inside the classroom. That day has already arrived and the number of students enrolled in virtual schools is rapidly increasing; especially the number of high school students. With the shift in the design of education in virtual schooling the role of the teacher has been redefined. The teacher is responsible for providing students opportunities to engage with their classmates although they do not see them in person, this includes discussion boards and peers working together online. The teacher also needs to ensure despite the lack of being present in the classroom they are available to students to communicate and clarify instructions timely. Along with virtual schooling comes in the role of site facilitators. Site facilitators play a crucially role in bridging the gap between the teachers and students, site facilitators provide academic advisement for the students, proctors exams and monitors academic dishonesty, they provide direct feedback to the teacher. There is still some debate over how to best prepare teachers to enter the realm of virtual schooling, some suggest field practice, however others believe that is not the formula for success in a virtual school.

What are some disadvantages to virtual schooling?
While virtual schooling is an excellent option for many students it has its’ disadvantages. I feel part of the impact education has on students is their interaction with their peers, although that can be facilitated through discussion boards for online courses it still does not replace the in person social interaction that develops throughout the schools years. Students use this time of their life to develop social skills that they will carry with them the rest of their life, I am fearful if students were behind a computer instead of a desk when they had to interact with peers in person there may be some struggles.

Can virtual schooling work for any student?
I do not think would be an effective way of learning for all students. In order to succeed the student would have to be very organized and comfortable with the style of learning of virtual schools, which is a lot of teaching themselves. Visual learners, like myself, my struggle in this learning enviroment.

Journal #8

The article, “Virtual Schooling” by Niki Davis and Dale S. Niderhauser examined the phenomenon of virtual schooling which is changing how K-12 education is defined. It is no surprise with the presence of Internet in our everyday lives that someday students would be able to learn without stepping foot inside the classroom. That day has already arrived and the number of students enrolled in virtual schools is rapidly increasing; especially the number of high school students. With the shift in the design of education in virtual schooling the role of the teacher has been redefined. The teacher is responsible for providing students opportunities to engage with their classmates although they do not see them in person, this includes discussion boards and peers working together online. The teacher also needs to ensure despite the lack of being present in the classroom they are available to students to communicate and clarify instructions timely. Along with virtual schooling comes in the role of site facilitators. Site facilitators play a crucially role in bridging the gap between the teachers and students, site facilitators provide academic advisement for the students, proctors exams and monitors academic dishonesty, they provide direct feedback to the teacher. There is still some debate over how to best prepare teachers to enter the realm of virtual schooling, some suggest field practice, however others believe that is not the formula for success in a virtual school.

What are some disadvantages to virtual schooling?
While virtual schooling is an excellent option for many students it has its’ disadvantages. I feel part of the impact education has on students is their interaction with their peers, although that can be facilitated through discussion boards for online courses it still does not replace the in person social interaction that develops throughout the schools years. Students use this time of their life to develop social skills that they will carry with them the rest of their life, I am fearful if students were behind a computer instead of a desk when they had to interact with peers in person there may be some struggles.

Can virtual schooling work for any student?
I do not think would be an effective way of learning for all students. In order to succeed the student would have to be very organized and comfortable with the style of learning of virtual schools, which is a lot of teaching themselves. Visual learners, like myself, my struggle in this learning enviroment.

Journal #7

Robert Kadel in his article, “Technology and Teacher Retention,” examines the impact technology may have on keeping teachers in a district and the process schools should follow to create a technology supportive environment (TSE). Kadel acknowledges that many teachers who recently graduate from teaching programs are knowledgeable on the technology available to them in the classroom if they are teaching in a district without that technology or the support necessary to implement it in the classroom they may be tempted to leave the district. Kadel describes the four features of a TSE as defined by Lessen and Sorensen they include; creating framework for technology, ensuring technology is a priority, continued growth, and providing necessary training for teachers, students, and staff. Kadel emphasized the importance of schools assessing the teachers technology competency before establishing a program for technology. The article also describes a program for technology that has seen success. There are three phases, the first being a planning phase where the school assesses their staff and site on the readiness for technology and creates a plan, the school also selects teachers who while be mentored in the first year of the program.. The second phases which last the first year of the program includes two yearly workshops for staff to improve knowledge of technology, mentoring of selected teachers, online meetings for administrators, and reassessment of technology competency. The third phase is similar to the second phase but know the previously mentored teachers due the mentoring for new teachers.

What impact will a TSE have on me as a teacher?
I think a TSE is essential for teachers to provide students with opportunities to enhance their learning experience. How can teachers be expected to provide their students with the necessary and adequate knowledge of technology without the support of the school, administrators and district.


What is a TSE?
To me a TSE is an environment is an environment that provides teachers with an adequate amount of technological resources and training to ensure that teachers are comfortable themselves with technology as well as using it in the classroom, whether it be as a teaching resource or enhancement of student learning.

Journal #6

In the article “Social Justice: Choice or Necessity,” authors Colleen Swain and David Edyburn discuss whether teachers should choose to incorporate technology in their classroom dependent on their teaching styles or whether it should be a requirement. For many adults technology is intimidating, they did not grow up with computer, the Internet, or cell phones. Many of these adults are teacher’s and as educators may incorporate technology into the classroom in order to enhance students’ learning, but it is a choice. If the educator is confident using technology in the classroom they will, while others are more comfortable sticking with the traditional style and methods of teaching. However, many people are debating if a teacher fails to expose students to technology are they failing to meet the needs of the student. With the drastic growth of the use of technology in the workplace over the past two decades it is hard to believe the trend will level off. It is important teachers prepare students for the demands they will have to meet in the workplace. It is indeed a social justice issue because if one student is fluent in technology while another is not the student who is not fluent while be put at an unfair disadvantage.

What can be done to help ensure educators incorporate technology in the classroom?
I think it is important for the schools to provide teachers with the necessary resources to ensure they are proficient at using technology in the classroom. They should be informed of the newest technological innovations available to them in the classroom and the schools should ensure it is readily accessible to them. I also think providing teachers with refresher and help courses would be an important aspect in ensuring teachers are comfortable with incorporating technology in the classroom.

How will I ensure I am providing my students with the adequate exposure to technology?
As a teacher I will do everything in my power to incorporate technology in the classroom, I enjoy technology myself and find it to be a powerful resource in my everyday life. I will continue to be a member of ISTE (www.iste.org) and use to help keep me knowledgeable on the current trends in technology for educators. I will take advantage of opportunities for me to learn more about technology and be knowledgeable of the resources available to me as a teacher for my classroom.