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ONLINE SCHOOLS DESERVE A CLOSER
LOOK
by Josie Drushal, director, TRECA Digital Academy |
| (2-03-2006) |
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Online learning, at the elementary and secondary
level, is an often misunderstood concept. Online charter schools,
in which students complete all course work at home on school-provided
computers, have been in existence for less than 10 years in
Ohio. Like any new concept, there have been growing pains.
The recent Associated Press article, headlined in the news
media as "Students leave top-rated schools for 'inferior'
online charter programs," not only adds to the confusion surrounding
the charter school movement, it also fails to address several
critical points.
One element missing from the article is an adequate explanation
of why many of today's parents — and more and more students
— choose online schools. Students at TRECA Digital Academy,
which opened just five years ago, can work at their own pace
with more time and attention given to subjects that require
additional attention, and vice versa. Online learning is individualized
learning at the rate that best meets the student's specific
academic needs.
TDA students tell us the personalized attention they receive
from their teachers — whether via a lesson, a live chat
or an online whiteboard explanation — makes asking for
help much easier than in their "old school." Going to school
online at home gives students a safe, secure environment to
ask teachers for assistance — without the threat of
being grouped into the "underperforming" category, where no
student wants to be.
Many parents of TDA students tell us they believe their child
can perform better academically at TDA. They feel good knowing
their student is in the safe environment of their own home.
Others say the flexibility of learning any time during a 24-hour
day matches their child's time clock.
Let's face it. Each child is unique. Each learns at his/her
own rate. Each has his/her own learning style. An online environment
can mean success for the student who otherwise may have lagged
behind — and failed — in the traditional classroom
setting.
As to the academic ratings of online charter schools as a
whole, what is not presented to the reader is the fact that
the state standardized tests (which students must take) can
not — by Ohio Department of Education regulations —
be given to students via the computers they use for day-to-day
learning. Even though it's how these students feel "most comfortable"
learning, they are required to travel to a test site on the
day(s) and time(s) that tests are offered and take tests in
person. Another obstacle to this requirement is transportation.
TDA data indicates transportation is a major issue for many
of our students. For a variety of reasons, they do not have
the luxury of having an adult to drive them to the test site.
In response to the transportation challenge, TDA will provide
22 test sites around the state for our students who reside
in 75 of 88 Ohio counties. In addition, our teachers will
meet students at the local library to administer these tests
one-on-one, if necessary. Unfortunately, State mandates don't
take into consideration the difference in a school bus delivering
students to the school with teachers handing out tests. Nevertheless,
we have embraced this challenge and continue to work diligently
with our students and their parents/guardians, stressing the
importance not only of having their child take the test, but
also providing transportation.
As technology continues to become further ingrained into our
schools, going to school online will become more and more
the accepted "norm." Dr. David Kirkton, who has 38 years of
experience in the education sector both at brick-and-mortar
schools and as northeast regional director with TDA, is familiar
with both educational options.
"Online schools are not for every student, and they will never
replace traditional elementary and high schools," he explained.
"But I have seen many, many students who struggled in the
traditional school setting, but went on to absolutely flourish
in an online school. I speak from experience when I say the
quality of online academics is every bit as good as traditional
schools, and it will only get better over time. It's an online
world today, and our children are miles ahead of adults in
this environment."
In the near future, Kirkton foresees traditional high schools
providing instruction using a "blended" model that combines
online as well as "on site" opportunities for students. "That's
the model for most colleges and universities in our country
right now," he pointed out.
TDA is studying high performing online K-12 schools, including
the California Virtual Academies and the Florida Virtual School,
which have achieved high levels of academic excellence. We'll
continue to make each student's academic success our personal
priority so that they can become productive citizens —
whether that means entering the work force or going on to
college. And we'll continue to work diligently to dispel the
myths of online education, ensuring all Ohio students the
ability to choose the type of school that best meets their
individual needs.
Josie Drushal is director at TRECA Digital Academy. When
she joined TDA in 1998, she brought 22 years of teaching and
administrative experience at Wooster City Schools.
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