The biggest surprise for me was the thought of online courses for K-12 students. Not the wholly online schools, but just the usage of online courses in standard schools. I just hadn't considered that outside of the University environment.
The next thing that stood out for me was the sharp line drawn between courses using e-learning tech to enhance courses as opposed to e-learning that replaces traditional courses. Having taken both types of courses, the different foci almost make the two types completely disconnected from each other. It almost seems that different studies for the two types would yield a better analysis.
Other than that, the most striking finding was what I (and others) probably already thought: blending the technological with the traditional seems to be the most effective paradigm. While the quality of any education would seem to be based more around design and implementation rather than choice of medium, it is heartening to see that properly utilized technology can be a great additive to an educational plan.
I don't think using online learning at the elementary level would be a very good idea. Elementary students are taking part in their most important years of learning. They are beginning to develop their educational foundation and I don't think including online learning in that equation would be very helpful. Granted, enhancing learning through the use of the Internet is a great thing because it would add variety to their learning.
ReplyDelete