online learning

i'm all for the concept of catering any educational setting to a child's "multiple intelligences," a theory by Harvard Professor and genius Howard Gardner essentially focused around the idea that IQ testing only tells part of the story--and that every child, or person, learns differently. Some children are number smart, some word smart, some people smart--some learn by doing, others learn by reading, others learn by being read to.

I've always thought that "online learning" was a pretty neat way to cater to some areas of multiple intelligence...it's perfect for the disciplined learner who works well in solitary situations. The increasing popularity of places like The University of Phoenix Online, American Intercontinental University and Gotham Writer's Workshop illustrate an increase in the value of online learning--which, of course, is to be expected, considering the shift our whole world is taking in the direction of the Web. While I feel like I have to push back a little and argue that online learning can't ever recreate the experience of classroom learning, I'm willing to admit that, for some, it's the most convenient way to educate yourself.

And then, this morning, I stumble upon this: An article in the Chicago Times entitled City approves state's first virtual public school. What?? This can't be what it seems, right? Ah...but it is. So, I think, it must be a high school--Chicago's answer to Philly and Microsoft's "School of the Future."

I was wrong. At Chicago's school, 600 Kindergarten through 8th Graders--instead of going to school every day--will log on to school. WHAT??

"We want to offer diverse, innovative opportunities for children, and not everyone learns the same way," said Chicago Public Schools spokesman Malon Edwards. "They (teachers) are wary of it, which is understandable."

Gee, Malon...I can't imagine why the teachers are wary of it. Maybe because it's COMPLETELY INSANE? We're talking about a critical period in human social and cognitive development. Many Kindergarteners have their first experiences with socialization and peer interaction at school. They sit on carpets and play games. They learn to articulate themselves to others. They learn to communicate to groups. They interact with people their own age. This is true of all years of school, certainly...but elementary school is so very critical.

Leaving aside social development--what about development of discipline, control, and a concept of sometimes having to do something that you don't want to do? Parent's are going to be required to be watchdogs over their children's learning in a school like this--and, let's be honest, is that really going to happen?

I'm horrified by this. It's a sure-fire way to decrease the amount of human interaction and social development that every child needs...and it takes the brilliant concept of online learning and online communities of practice and perverts it. Unfortunately, all online learning systems will suffer because of the inevitable failure of this school.

Sorry for the rant, y'all...

Fix your jones for an online learning program near you @ www.worldwidelearn.com; for information on child cognative and social development @ pbs.org/wholechild and earlychildhood.com; and for the right way for your kid to use the internet @ kids.getnetwise.org

Posted by sarah t. at 10:08 AM