In the article, "My Teacher is an App," Stephanie Banchero discusses how online education has grown in the last few years. Now, students are able to attend school completely online, or at least take half of their course load online. According to Evergreen Educational Group "250,000 students are now enrolled in online virtual schools." Although many states are jumping on the virtual school bandwagon, many states are alarmed by the idea because it had been proven that students who are enrolled in online schools score significantly lower that students who attend traditional schools. However, many people like the idea of a virtual school, mainly students and parents, because it provides flexible hours and students can work and learn at their own pace. A student who excels in a particular subject can be enrolled in a grade level higher than the one he or she is currently in. Another advantage is that it saves many school districts a lot of money by having virtual schools.
However, Banchero also states the disadvantages to completely virtual schools. Students miss out on that one-on-one teacher-student time. Altough phone calls, emails, and video conferences are available, it is not the same as talking to a teacher and expressing thoughts and concerns in person. Also, the article points out that students who learn completely online lack the necessary interaction with other students and this may hinder the growth of their social skills.
My reaction to this article is one that is caught in the middle. Personally, I do not care for online classes. I am one who finds it more beneficial to be in a classroom where I can engage in what is being taught. It helps me to understand better, and to make better grades. However, I do see how attending an online school can be beneficial to many people. It allows students to make their own schedule, and to learn at a pace that is most beneficial to them. I think it is a necessary to have a happy medium. There are some schools that are both online and in the classroom, and I think that is the best option. It provides the best of both worlds and allows students to have time in person with their teacher, but to also work online when it is convenient for them. I think it is important, especially for K-12 students, to attend school so that they may interact with other students and build their social skills. These are important years for a child and if they spend all day looking at a computer screen, what are they really learning about the world around them? Some life experiences you cannot simply get from the computer. I think technology is very important in education, but just like Banchero stated in her article "...the computer can't do it alone."
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