the new homeschooled

the new homeschooled..





  Thanks to an unwanted worldwide pandemic caused by the virus, CoVid-19, we now have a new definition for homeschooled.  

  HUH? What's up with that?

  According to a recent article in USA Today Newspaper, Even as they recommended working on in-person reopening of schools, the nation's science academies warned, it is likely someone in the school community will contract CoVid-19. 

  Because of that threat, a growing number of areas have already committed to NTI (non traditional instruction) this fall and possibly beyond. 

  In the past, homeschooled referred to a parent or guardian teaching their child at home.  Now, homeschooled means millions of children will be sitting at home in front of a computer and getting their education from certified teachers.

  College classes have been taught online for almost 25 years.  Two entrepreneurs launched the first accredited and fully web-based university (Jones International University) back in 1996.  Since then, online education has splintered in many directions.  

  Teachers at all levels have been using the internet for several years for homework assignments as well as classes and as a means to keep in touch with parents.  But, this is the first time millions of students in all grade levels (K-12) will start the school year online.   

  The primary question involves the quality of the student's all-around education as received online.  

  This post is not intended to be a definitive study on NTI.  But, it is only the opinions of two elementary teachers, two high school teachers, a 7 year old, and a high school freshman and was written solely for entertainment purposes.   

  Almost all of the teachers shared the same basic concerns, as did the students, regardless of the disparity in the two student's ages. 

  Rachel S. is an elementary school teacher in Pennsylvania and she feels that online teaching is, Generally, a one size fits all approach and all kids do not learn the same.  

  The biggest burden for students and teachers as viewed by all teachers questioned involved the lack of relationships.

  Alex H. teaches geometry in Indiana.  He says, One pitfall for the student is that he or she misses out on direct one-on-one instruction.  

   Lindsey B. is an Indiana high school math teacher too.  She said, Some kids do not learn well online.  They need an in-person explanation and time to ask questions.  

   Seven year old Leo, a Port Richey, Florida kindergarten student last school year, said,  It's hard to ask questions because the screen is small and sometimes my teacher didn't see the sign I held up.

  Karen W. is a kindergarten teacher in Kentucky and she is also concerned about the student-teacher relationship.  There isn't any building of any relationships when I'm teaching on the web, she said.   

  Rachel also pointed out (as did others), Online doesn't provide interaction with other students and adults.   

  Leo concurs.  The thing I didn't like was not seeing my friends, he said.

  Last spring when almost all schools around the country finished the semester on the web, Isabel B. was in the 8th grade.  I'd have to say being away from my friends was the worst part of it, she confided.  

 Rachel is concerned about the disparity of some children's home life.  Some kids just don't have the support at home that others do.  

  Karen echoed Rachel's concern, The quality of work depends on parental interaction with their child.  We have no real way to measure what a student can or can't do on their own. 

  Since I teach a younger group of kids, they learn so much from their peers, both educationally and socially, Rachel said.

  Karen thinks her students will especially be hurt in cooperative classes such as reading.  She pointed out, Students learn in individualized groups.  Guided reading doesn't occur online, and often times students do not have access to books they can read.  She also says, Social interaction with peers and a teacher in the room is vital so a student can learn in a hands-on community

  Lindsey agrees.  One of the biggest reasons I became a teacher is because of the relationship you can have with kids to have a positive impact in their lives. There is no such thing online. 

  Alex said testing a student's knowledge is also an issue.  Assessments become more difficult.  I need to be able to reflect on my student's work and see their mistakes, he added. 

  Lindsey feels most students need in-person explanations and time to ask questions.  They have to be self motivated to do the work online and that's difficult, she said. 

  Those were just some of the comments voiced by people who care about their responsibilities.  The same group talked about the good and the not so good/not so bad of online teaching and learning.  

  Breaks. We got five 10 minute breaks in the six hours, said Leo.  That was my favorite part

  Isabel said, My favorite part of NTI was on every other Friday.  We would join a Google Meet with our teacher and the whole class.  

  Almost all teachers voiced how much they missed collaboration sessions with their fellow educators.  But, each one said there were some positives too. 

  Karen thinks, Even online, the student gets an opportunity to learn and grow.  And, online may help a kindergarten student build a better relationship with an older brother or sister.  

  Rachel opined, A positive for the kids might lie in those who suffer  from social anxieties or who have difficulties relating to other kids.  They are pressure free online.  

  Lindsey supported Rachel's conjecture, Some kids can thrive online because it is hard for them to be social.

  Conversation with professionals reveals most feel there are more negatives for the child than there are affirmatives.  But, do they think there's anything conclusive on the brighter side for them, as teachers?

  Karen felt one positive is, Parents get a better idea of the content their child is learning in school.  She continued, They also see how their child acts when attempting to complete work. 

  Being a better teacher through the use of technology is a goal for Alex.  I have been more determined than ever to increase my understanding of how technology can improve my skills as a teacher, he said. 

  Rachel believes teachers have to think differently.  Online teaching forces the teacher to think outside the box in ways to provide instruction.  She went on to say, It's not easy, but it is a positive

  Decisions about how to approach the new school year are still being formed by many districts.  Recently, Kentucky's governor made a recommendation that all schools in the state plan NTI classes.  As of now, it is unknown if that will happen.

  Coming up in the near future, we'll look into the great change robbery and hear from some Pickleball participants!

  But, hold on a second.  Did Karen say one of the benefits of online instruction for a Kindergarten student is possibly a better relationship with an older brother or sister?  Even at six years old?!

HUH? What's up with that   

  

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