The implementation of online and blended instruction in schools across America will certainly create some new problems that need to be dealt with, but there will also be many educational barriers that could be overcome through this strategy. One that comes to mind is the issue of time. Many students struggle to find the time to do their homework or attend class on a regular basis. The concept of asynchronous learning gives us an opportunity to create meaningful learning opportunities and assessments that can be done by the student when time allows.
Using blended/online instruction could also help educate students about digital citizenship and how to make good choices on the Internet. Creating a good Acceptable Use Policy would be critical to the success of any school that is using Online instruction.
I think the biggest key to the success of an online course is to create learning objects that can capture the attention of students (prezi, voki, toondoo, etc.) and allow them to engage content in a new way.
To me a blended approach to learning is best. There will always be students who despise the technology. Even among the digital natives of this generation, I have 8th graders who come to me and say, "Why can't we just do this with pencil and paper?" Utilizing technology in the classroom doesn't always go as planned and 8th graders get easily frustrated when technology doesn't work as advertised. In my classroom teaching students "how" to use the technology usually takes more time than the students actually completing the lesson.
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