Unit 5 - Assignment 1 - Blog 2

In searching through my Google Alerts for the week, I came across an article talking specifically about the e-learning and the options we have because it exists.  It was an interesting article right off the bat for me, because the first sentence states "The recent bad weather didn't seem to bother both teachers and students at Lincoln Community High School thanks to a new program called e-learning."  The first thing I thought of were snow days.  Snow days are very bittersweet for most teachers and students.  Loving the fact that we get an unexpected day off of school only lasts so long after pulling out the school calendar to see which snow make up day we will lose.  I absolutely love the idea of e-learning days rather than snow days that need to be made up.  Teachers can simply send students work online and they complete it while at home.  The state board of education made the decision that because the majority students have access to the internet at home, snow days can turn into e-learning days instead.  Teachers in the district were given guidelines as to how they should set up and manage the e-learning days for their students.  The superintendent made the comment that learning has changed, and it is no longer just about listening to a teacher in a classroom.  LCHS uses Google Classroom to communicate with students online.  They are aware that not all students have access to computers or laptops, but most have at least cell phones to access the web.  Teachers can give assignments that do not require students to use laptops, such as assign readings online and physical books they have at home. Teachers could assign students to do activities with a paper and pencil at home as well.  The school district understands that there will be growing pains and kinks that need to be ironed out along the way, but overall, they are happy to be trying out the new initiative.  The district sent out a survey for parents to fill out regarding their thoughts on the program, and they are anxiously awaiting the results of the survey.

My initial thoughts are that it is the best idea ever!!  I love the idea of not having to make up missed days for inclement weather.  I would be slightly concerned for the students who do not have access to internet at home.  While it's safe to say the majority of students do, I know there are a handful of students in my district that don't have the access needed to participate in e-learning days.  If the winter was particularly bad one year, and numerous days were missed, I would be worried about the students who are never able to access internet.  I am specifically thinking about a lot of our ELL students as well.  I would be concerned that the language barrier may leave parents confused and unsure of how the e-learning days should take place.  I think if this was implemented in my school district, it would maybe be a good idea to have it addressed on back to school night so parents would understand what it will look like.  Another potential dilemma would be figuring out how to make it work at the elementary level.  Upper grades would be easier as much of the classes are already online even while going to school.  Elementary school is much different.  I think it could be done, but definitely feel it would take some time and trial and error to get it right.  I wouldn't be surprised if the majority of schools switch to this initiative over the next few years.

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