Journal #3

The New Gold Rush by Ferdi Serim

This article proposes ways to make the use of the new onslaught of online learning programs effective; it outlines important issues for both policy and teaching/learning. It suggests that the best way for online programs to be effective for students is to use a combination of classroom teachers and online teachers working together to get the most out of an online program.
To me, it only makes sense to have a highly qualified teacher in the classroom helping to guide students through online learning. It is also important to have a highly qualified online teacher who can address issues "on the other side". While policy makers, who are forever trying to save money, may wish to eliminate classroom teachers and have students educated increasingly online, research has shown that a combination of both types of teaching is best.

1. As an educator, how can I do my part to make online learning programs effective at my school? I think it is important to be vocal about the hybrid idea behind online learning. Expressing these kinds of ideas at all levels will increase awareness and help make online learning the most effective it can be.

2. What is the most exciting thing about online learning? The fact that students can be unrestrained by time and place to learn what they want at the pace they want to is very appealing. When incorporated with traditional classroom teaching, online learning is a powerful tool and supplement.