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About the research
After
reading the report of "2013 Trends in Online Learning Virtual,
Blended and Flipped Classrooms", I was surprised that high technology had been slipped
into K-12 classrooms already. I found
that the use of a variety of online learning strategies with students is not
only found in colleges or grad schools. In fact, many teachers in K-12
classrooms are utilizing technology in their teaching nowadays. Moreover, there
are different forms of learning models, such as virtual, blended and flipped
learning. This research grants me a better understanding of today’s K-12
education.
Data from the survey
Some of the highlights
of this latest update Speak Up data are 1) school administrators, online
learning teachers, students and parents who participated in the survey seem to
agree online learning options provide more ways to help students engage in
learning; 2) students see online learning is more personal and self-paced
learning; 3) online learning teachers believe online learning motivate students’
learning more and is an efficient way for teachers and students to communicate
and connect around learning materials; and 4) more students and parents are interested
in the value of online learning and wish their schools would provide more
online learning for the students.
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My little thoughts
This report gives me a great insight of using digital and technology in K-12 classrooms. I agree that using a variety of online learning strategies with children can improve students’ academic performance, enhance teachers’ effectiveness and engage parents’ involvement. Online learning allows students working at their own pace. They can rewind, pause and review the learning materials at their own time. Since our young generation is raised in the high-technology society, they definitely would be fascinated in the digital learning environment. However, I think the school administers and teachers have to make sure the students can access online learning without any obstacles before they offer the online courses and digital learning materials. That would be awesome all the students have the same opportunity to access online learning; especially the low income students. As they may have limited accessibility to online resources, they may benefit a lot from getting such resources.
According from the
report, it can be a challenge for teachers incorporate technology in teaching. We
should understand that not all teachers are “tech-person”. They need a great
amount of support and training to teach in virtual, blended and flipped
classrooms. Therefore, how to mobilize and equip our educators to transform
their teaching techniques to a cyber level is a big project!
