Views and Philosophy of K-12 Online Learning

Online learning is constructing knowledge via electronic resources, activities, collaboration, and instruction.  K-12 online learning should fit the needs of individual students, depending on their knowledge, skills, and maturity.  Some students, regardless of age, are more prepared for self-directed learning, while others require more assistance.  Students need to be organized, motivated, and resourceful for success in an online learning environment.  

I have never taught kindergarten or elementary school, but I have, and still am around children that age.  They are little sponges, learning from everyone and everything around them.  They would adapt quickly, especially since today's technology is much more intuitive than before.  There are a multitude of elementary age appropriate digital tools and programs available that promote student engagement and digital literacy.  Since we are in the digital age, it is imperative for technology to be infused in their educational process to foster 21st Century skills, and thus, success in the future.  That said, I think young students also need monitoring and daily personal interaction and reinforcement, as they are still learning fundamental social skills (appropriate behavior, interactions, and verbal communication).  

Many middle school and high school students are disconnected from modern learning experiences.  They are wired differently and love technology.  It is their medium of choice; therefore, online learning should be an integral component in their education.  Many schools have started to include technology and online classes in the educational process.  Teachers are "flipping " their classrooms and using secure LMSs to house content, resources, assignments, and discussion boards.  Subsequently, students are gaining more open, flexible, and continued access so they can start personalizing their learning.  In essence, they are transitioning to self-directed learning: determining how, when, where, and what knowledge is necessary for them to demonstrate meeting the required standards.

I have seen several students take an online class(es) at my high school.  Some thrive, but others do not do well.  Part of the problem is they have been spoon-fed content and given reminders to stay on track; hence, they do not have the skills and discipline to monitor themselves.  That does mean they cannot be successful with online learning, they just need more guidance through the transition phase.  Status quo is no longer acceptable.  To stay relevant, effective, and innovative, teachers need to provide more inquiry-based learning connected to real world issues in an online environment.  There are thousands of digital tools and programs that promote collaboration, and enrich the acquisition of knowledge and demonstration of learning.  I guess the real question is what should online learning look like? Currently, it seems like that will depend on funding and technology available to teachers and students in each school.