Distance Education

I am not a stranger to distance education. In fact, I have taken a handful of classes that were primarily, if not completely, online. After researching the websites however, I was surprised by the fact that distance education high schools are offered as replacements for traditional schooling. I was not aware that high school students had this option. There are plusses and minuses to this type of education. Students who choose to participate in these programs have to be adequately prepared and motivated, as do teachers.

First of all, distance education makes schools accessible for students who may have unconventional schedules. This way, students whose families move around a lot are able to stay in the same school. Other students who may prefer to have a job during the daytime can do so without interrupting their class schedules.

The scheduling aspect of this type of education may also have the potential to reach high-risk students and prevent them from dropping out of school. Teen parents and juvenile delinquents are some students who may benefit from a school schedule they can set themselves. They may be able to enjoy education more when not having to worry about meeting adversity in a mainstream school.

Another positive aspect of this type of education is that it reaches diverse learners. Sitting in a classroom is not a beneficial learning environment for many students. Many students may be able to concentrate on their schooling without the distraction of peers and without the strict, imposing rules. These students may find better success if they are allowed to learn within the circumstances that fit them best.

Home-schooling is a topic that is discussed on many of these websites. Choosing to be home-schooled rather than attending public school is a personal decision made by the student and his/her family. Enrolling in a distance education program ensures all parties involved that the right educational goals are being reached, while still having the desired environment of learning at home.

Many of these schools offer tracks for students, where the classes and electives are chosen based on the student’s interests and skills. This kind of individualized curriculum is something that students may not receive in a traditional school setting. Though many schools, such as charter schools, do provide this, they are not available everywhere. Offering various tracks is a more realistic practice with distance programs than with regular schools that would need to fund the extra resources.

On the other hand, there are also some arguments that can be made against distance learning for high school. The first question I—and I’m sure many others—have, is whether or not teenagers will stay motivated enough to have such control over their own education. I know from personal experience that it is harder to keep up with class work when you are not actually attending a scheduled class. There is no doubt that responsible students do exist and are perfectly capable of succeed on their own. However, there will be other students who suffer from the “out of sight, out of mind” aspect. It’s easier to ignore homework and other requirements when you only have to face a computer screen and not a flesh-and-blood teacher. Other students who might be drawn to this type of education may be the ones who are too unmotivated to attend school everyday and think it will be easier.

High schools offer many other valuable lessons than the ones learned from books. For many students, high school is a time of social education as well. Students who struggle in social situations may prefer a school setting that does not require them to interact with peers, but it also will prevent them from understanding how to deal with the social situations they will face after high school. These students will not be able to avoid these situations forever and allowing them to do so during high school—an important time for social and emotional growth—will only leave them unprepared to deal with the future.

Similar to losing the social aspect of school, students are also losing other important things schools offer. Students enrolled in distance education programs will not experience formal dances, ASB elections or football games. They will not have the opportunity to be evolved in school sports or other extra-curricular activities. They will miss the overwhelming power of school spirit, the glee of signing yearbooks and the pride felt when finally allowed to park in the “Senior” lot. Attending an actual high school is an experience that cannot be duplicated by an online school.

Many of these schools say that students’ learning is evaluated by online quizzes, tests and homework. However, we know that many students do not test well and because distance education programs do not allow for face-to-face interaction between teachers and students, there is no way to personalize the type of education and assessment each student receives.

Likewise, the kinds of assignments and projects are limited. If there are any group projects, it is likely that they will be conducted over the internet rather than meeting in person. When all of the students live in different areas, it is unlikely that any community learning or place-based education will take place. With distance education, included the distance classes I have taken, creativity is limited for both the teachers and the students.

To make sure a student is an appropriate candidate for this type of education, the schools need to be selective. Students and parents need to decide together whether or not distance education would be the right choice. The school would need to contact previous teachers to inquire about the students’ work ethic and maturity level. Other students, who may not have good school records, but are in special situations that warrant distance education as a good alternative, should probably be paired with a counselor to make sure the student is succeeding in the program.

As a teacher, I would have to do more than simply familiarize myself with technology. I would have to be proficient enough with the internet and other technology that I could provide my students with a high-quality online learning environment. I would also have to be skilled in forming relationships with my students without being able to meet them personally. Lastly, I would have to be open-minded and imaginative enough that I could offer my students learning opportunities other than online reading and test-taking.

After reviewing these websites on distance education, I feel that it may be right for some students and wrong for others. Some students may struggle with the lack of structure of online schools, while others may flourish. Some teachers may struggle with distance education, while others may adapt and learn to love it. I strongly believe that any actions taken to give all students a chance to learn, such as offering a non-traditional education setting, are worthy and important.