Philosophy on Online Learning

• “What is your view and/or philosophy on K – 12 Online Learning?”

In the coming years online learning will be used by more and more of our student population.  Although a bit skeptical at first, I now see all the positives of an online learning environment.  The traditional classroom has flipped and students everywhere are seeing the benefits of enrolling in an online classroom.  Online learning is so much more than students listening to a recorded online lectures.  Students collaborate, apply knowledge to real world situations, create, analyze and discuss real world problems, and apply their learning as they create projects that are "outside" the box.  It is easy for students to collaborate with one another as there are a variety of forums-D2L, Google Plus, Google Hangouts, Twitter etc. Additionally, instructors can assign and develop lessons to tailor a student's needs as they track student progress.  Students can work at their pace and when it is convenient for them.  Do you have a high school student that learns best in the afternoon?  No problem, he/she can work when he feels the most alert.  Being able to control when you complete assignments gives students opportunities to attend real life experiences.  For example, maybe a student's family would like to travel to a foreign country.  No problem, the student can complete work  from a distance all while not missing out on an incredible experience.  So much has change over the last five years, I can't wait to see what the next five years will bring and how education will continue to grow and change to best meet the needs of students everywhere.