Greetings WOL Friends!
Do any of us doubt the effectiveness of online learning when we are trying to replace the battery in our keyfob? Or figure out how to re-string the cord of our weedwhacker? Two things I had to check in on recently! YouTube, online support, blogs, and podcasts are among the plethora of places we go to learn new things, cement what we know, or explore new ideas and topics.
It was great to welcome two experts in effective online/virtual learning - Anita Young and Lauren McMinn to our podcast. Anita is the Director of the BILD program at Huntingdon Area School District - providing flexible experiences for all of their learners. Lauren is the supervisor of our WOL Full-Time Extended Campus Program.
Why do we still have to bust the myths and defend the possibility that learning in a virtual environment can be effective?
Thanks for joining the discussion,
Pat
This Episode
One of my favorite parts of the discussion on the effectiveness of virtual and online learning is that we recognized that in every school setting, every child and staff member uses a device to learn, teach, and/or lead.
Anita and Lauren took us across the landscape of the reasons that students and families choose virtual and online platforms for their students. In the evolving landscape of virtual education, flexibility and inclusivity attract schools and families to branch out when they can’t find what a student needs. One key takeaway is the importance of providing experiences for students with various needs, such as those balancing full-time jobs, managing family responsibilities, or pursuing extracurricular passions like competitive sports.
Themes and Myths We Busted
Themes we discussed:
Flexibility and Inclusivity: Virtual learning accommodates various students' needs, including those with busy schedules or unique family situations.
Development of Independent Learning Skills: Online learning fosters self-awareness in learners, encouraging them to manage time effectively and advocate for themselves.
Social Learning and Relationships: Contrary to common myths, virtual environments support building strong relationships between students and teachers and facilitate social learning experiences.
What theme matches your schools’ use of Virtual and Online Learning?
Myths we busted:
Myth 1: Online learning is only for unsocial or disengaged students: Virtual education serves a wide range of students, including those with complex schedules or specific needs.
Myth 2: You can’t build relationships with teachers online: Online learning fosters meaningful connections through frequent communication and collaboration.
Myth 3: Virtual education lacks rigor: Online platforms can offer engaging, high-quality instruction that prepares students for future academic and professional success.
Can you identify other myths about online and virtual learning?
Listen in and join the conversation!
Quick Bites
Family Newsletter
Link to Parent Toolbox (Including Zoom for Caregiver Connections)
Calendar of Events
MORE
Check out the wide variety of resources available through Common Sense Media
I use https://chatgpt.com/ to summarize the podcast transcript before I start writing. I also use Grammarly to check the grammar and clarity of my writing.
Can You Really Learn Effectively Online?