Online Learning Modules

It is one thing to take an online class as an adult, but to expect a teenager or younger child to be able to have the self-discipline to take an online class is too much, or is it? My school offers online classes at the high school level through Florida Virtual. It is a valuable opportunity for students who want to take a foreign language or specialty class such as marine biology that my small school does not have the resources to offer otherwise. The students who opt for this definitely must be self directed learners. There is a teacher in the building assigned to be a coach for these students to help them when needed, and it has been successful in meeting special needs. Christensen and Horn (2008) refer to using online learning like this as filling in a "non-consumption." There is no other opportunity for students to take these specialty classes.

Another use of online learning is to aid students with special needs. Differentiating for students can be difficult, but technology and online learning can help teachers; it does not take the place of the teacher, as some may fear. A student using a computer can make a mistake without being embarrassed, and can take as much time or as many tries as needed. It can also help when a student is physically unable to attend school, as this screentoast shows: screentoast.

Using a moodle like the one in the screentoast is not only beneficial for students being home-tutored, but is also beneficial to the rest of the class. Teachers can add links to free resources to aid struggling students or enrich advanced students. Using the wiki part of a moodle, parents, teachers, and students can share resources and help find "customized instructional software" that Christensen and Horn predict will change the way learning difficulties are diagnosed and helped (2008, p. 19).

One criticism of using online learning modules is the concern of a lack of interaction. If much learning is done through the computer, how does this take into account social learning theories? Just because classwork is handled online does not mean it is not social. There are a variety of tools such as e-mail, chat, voicethreads, and other web-based tools that can be used "to enhance interactivity and a sense of community" (Roberson & Klotz, 2002).

Online learning modules can be very beneficial if used effectively. They can fill areas of non-consumption and provide meaningful learning experiences.

Christensen, C. M., & , M. B. (2008). How Do We Transform Our Schools? : Education Next. Education Next : A Journal of Opinion and Research, 8(3). Retrieved May 31, 2010, from http://educationnext.org/how-do-we-transform-our-schools/

Roberson, T., & Klotz, J. (2002). How Can Instructors and Administrators Fill the Missing Link in Online Instruction?. Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, 5(4). Retrieved May 29, 2010, from http://www.westga.edu/~distance/ojdla/winter54/roberson54.htm