Does your staff worry about being replaced by computers? I think ( okay, I know) that some of mine does. Our division put an online learning graduation requirement in place and I have heard that some people are concerned that they will be replaced by an online course.
It makes sense...we could have the students all on module-type courses working from home or proctored computer labs...or have one teacher instructing hundreds of students in an online course. It would certainly save money in these times of tight budgets. Seriously though? I don't see that ever happening. I certainly hope it doesn't happen! While I love online learning (it works really well for me), I know so many more teachers (and students) who aren't fans. I would wager that most people need at least some face-to-face, human interaction in order to learn comfortably and effectively. Module, automated-type courses offer a wonderful opportunity for credit recovery, acceleration, and home-bound students but for the majority of learners, I doubt that is their preferred method of instruction. Even when you add an online teacher into the mix, some people don't know that teaching an online course is A LOT of work! It takes organization, engagement, and (copious amounts of) time to make an effective online teacher-led course. If I were the coordinator for online learning, I'd make the classes smaller online, than they are in a brick & mortar school. As an Instructional Technology Coach, I love to inspire teachers to use more technology to engage and inspire their students, but I worry that some of them might think that the computers are trying to replace them. So, I made this (below) and put it on my office wall, just so those concerned teachers know where I stand. Feel free to print it and post it in your space, too.
Terry
3/11/2015 11:53:51
Kendra, technology has made my job so much easier. It really engages my students. Comments are closed.
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Kendra MurphyI'm a Technology Coach and IT Support for a school. I'm passionate about 1:1 classrooms technology in instruction. Archives
September 2015
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