My local school district has graciously given me the opportunity this summer to work as an assistant teacher for a summer school class. However, the classroom I assist in is not your ordinary Algebra 1 class. It is a pilot class for a ‘virtual’ learning environment. I recently wrote about my experience thus far in a blog post at collegejolt.com. Here’s an excerpt:
There is a high-quality webcam in the classroom that feeds a live video to a certified teacher who, at their house, also communicates with a webcam. A smart board is present in the classroom, and provides the students with a live feed of the teacher’s computer screen, where she teaches using PowerPoint slides and flash video tutorials as part of an online curriculum.
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Most importantly however, the biggest detriment to ‘virtual learning’ at this time is that the absence of a physical, motivated teacher in the actual classroom changes the entire dynamic of the class. The instructor feels ‘distant’ (hence the term ‘distance learning’), and becomes highly dependent on the students’ cooperation. As any teacher (or student) knows, student cooperation is not a given, but rather a luxury. Therefore, the teacher has no domineering qualities, and classroom discussion is prone to rapid devolution. In addition to this, it is rather difficult for the teacher to witness first-hand the students as individuals, and where they need honed instruction. This is probably the most vital part of any student’s learning process; it is also the most difficult aspect of virtual learning.
Do you think that technological/methodological improvements could eventually make this kind of practice financially feasible?
Good question. I’m not actually sure at this point how much this whole operation costs, but it is surely not cheap. Financial woes are not the problem here, though. For the schools I mention that could really benefit from this style of teaching (rural / undeveloped areas lacking teachers), the cost of the program would most likely not be a deterrent. These costs, as you mention though, would certainly go down once the practice becomes more commonplace and less people are needed for each session (at this point the primary cost would come from employing numerous IT people, teachers, assistants, etc).
I think the issue here is less financial and more psychological. Sure, it has great potential in terms of connective learning, but your point in the second part of the excerpt is the very reason why I don’t think this method of teaching will be too popular anytime soon. I think, if a connection is observed between lack of enthusiasm for learning and a lack of the physical presence of a teacher, schools will either return to the traditional format or avoid conversion all together. Also, from a different financial standpoint, I think this will inevitably lower teacher salaries ( due to less demand of each individual everyday), which is clearly something teachers don’t like. I’m not sure how it is in Virginia, but in New York teacher’s unions literally have a stranglehold on the state education department, and thus would never allow this to happen.
I think the issue here is less financial and more psychological. Sure, it has great potential in terms of connective learning, but your point in the second part of the excerpt is the very reason why I don’t think this method of teaching will be too popular anytime soon. I think, if a connection is observed between lack of enthusiasm for learning and a lack of the physical presence of a teacher, schools will either return to the traditional format or avoid conversion all together. Also, from a different financial standpoint, I think this will inevitably lower teacher salaries ( due to less demand of each individual everyday), which is clearly something teachers don’t like. I’m not sure how it is in Virginia, but in New York teacher’s unions literally have a stranglehold on the state education department, and thus would never allow this to happen.
Excellent points, Bonica. Student enthusiasm is at an incredible minimum when the teacher is coming through via video. I’m not sure how the teacher’s unions work in NY, but the Virginia teacher salaries can’t get much lower. Haha, but I’m sure they could find a way.
And where did you find a “motivated” teacher? There are darn few out here in the real world!