Video Case Analysis

http://www.edutopia.org/images/movies/onlineoverviewb.wmv


The video case that I viewed talked about virtual learning and displayed the attributes of Virtual High School. It discussed the ways students could learn online and take courses online that were not offered at their high school. It also showed how teachers could integrate online learning with their classes. Some teachers would use blended learning. This consisted of teaching in the classrooms as well as teaching part of the course on the internet.
Most of the technology that was used in the video consisted of computers and the internet. There were also calculators, interactive whiteboards, and live whiteboards used in the math classes. Compact discs were used for the music class. Microphones, voice recorders, and speakers were used also. In one instance, telephones were used when students called their teacher.
The technologies used in the lessons were both student-centered and teacher-centered. The students were able to go online to take the virtual courses. They used the technology to better enhance their knowledge on the subjects. The students also used the live boards to do some of their work online. Some of the teachers used the virtual learning in their classrooms. They would create their own courses online through Virtual High School. The teachers also used the microphones, recorders, and speakers to communicate to the students. In most cases, the teachers would create or design courses or lessons through virtual learning and the students would use what the teachers created to further their knowledge.
I do agree that the technologies used in this video make the lessons more engaging. It is something new and different for the students to be involved in. It is not the same old routine of sitting in class taking notes and listening to the teacher lecture all the time. The students are able to get a more hands on approach to their learning. Also, the virtual learning allows students to be able to do their work at any time of the day. The students will have time to do other things in their busy schedule. For instance, one student was able to practice ice skating at a more opportune time since she could do the work at night. Also, I think using any technology gets students more interested in what they are doing. I think it helps them feel like they are doing something important and fun.
Teachers wanting to create a course through the virtual learning site would have to go through about the same amount of preparation as though they were actually teaching it in a classroom. They would have to think through what they would want to get across to the students. The teachers would have to provide more explanation for the students who may not know how to use the technology. They would also have to try to use wording online that their students would understand. The teachers might also want to think about common mistakes their students might make. They might also have to provide more examples for the students since they are not interacting with the students in person.
Teachers who want to assess student performance who use the virtual learning could test them in the same way they would in the classroom. They could use online documents with questions they have to answer. Teachers could have examples of different things that the students have to answer. Students could also be assigned final projects that they would have to post online. Then the teacher could evaluate their performance on the projects.
Some advantages of using the virtual learning are the flexibility of taking classes and doing homework when you want. Students might be more interested in learning what they are doing when technology is involved. Teachers and students get to know each other better when they interact online and phone each other. Teachers can detect student weaknesses faster. Students can have hands-on experience and can learn through the use of visuals. Students and teachers can communicate to each other through a microphone. Also, teachers can tell students what they are doing wrong while working on a problem online. Both the teachers and students can be at home while doing this.
Some challenges the teacher would have is not getting all of the students involved in what they are doing in class while using the virtual learning. Some students may get lost and not know what they are doing. Teachers would have to go more in detail about what exactly they want the students to be doing if the class is taught online only. Students have to be more self-motivating. If they do not have the teachers with them telling them to get their work done they may not do it. Another challenge with virtual learning is that students may not understand what is going on in the class. If no communication is involved, the students may have trouble with the work and the teachers will not be able to tell the students what they are doing wrong. Finally, teachers and students are not able to form good relationships with each other through virtual learning.