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More About On-line Learning
Last month I wrote about on-line learning as being very convenient for the student. After all, the computer is just sitting there, waiting to be used. Last week, an article in Community College Week, by William Wade of West Kentucky Community College, gave some other advantages of using on-line learning. He says in the article that, in addition to being convenient, on-line learning can be "personalized, affordable" and with "open content" and "high quality" materials.
He also gives some insight into successful programs:
"In business-model terms, think of education not as a big-box store but as a quality experience. What works is providing reasonably priced, high-quality programs built around sound course content that engages students and expands their learning....Success in college, like success in life, comes with hard work and with accepting responsibility for completing that work."
I have written extensively about student engagement through personalized learning, affordability and relevance - things we have always tried to incorporate into our lessons, here at LVA School. The computer age gives us another tool, however. Instead of de-personalizing the learning experience, I think we can use computers to make the experience more personalized than ever! As I write this we are beginning to experiment with on-line learning. I will keep you informed as to our progress.
And I think Mr. Wade is right about hard work and accepting responsibility - by both student and teacher. The on-line experience just promises to make the job easier!
Tom
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