Traditional+School

MY CASE FOR TRADITIONAL CLASSROOMS...

Pros (Nora)

1. If you have special needs, we will find out early. We will use our vast resources to create a plan for you to make sure you get everything you need to succeed.

2. If you have special talents, we have many programs in the public schools for you to explore those talents, whether it is athletics, art, drama, music, or some other special interest, the traditional school system connects you to other students with the similar interests, as well as specialists to guide you toward reaching your personal best.

3. We offer a collaborative learning environment. Students interact with other learners and their teacher. The social aspect of the traditional classroom engages students in a shared learning experience. Students need more face-to-face interactions with teachers and other learners...

According to the Transactional Distance Theory (TDT), in order for high school students to succeed in virtual learning environments, they need to be motivated, self directed, able to work independently, and demonstrate a willingness to communicate and to ask for help. They also need to be organized and have good time management. Do you feel confident that you have proven to have these traits as a student in a traditional school. If you can't prove to have them with all the support of a traditional school, how can you be sure you will succeed as a cyber student.

Research shows Cyber Ed can be challenging for some learners... Successful cyber school participants emphasized the need for rapport-building, social presence, nurturing, collaboration, sharing, and self-understanding. Findings related to the curriculum and teacher-centered tools illustrate how structure can make it harder for teachers to meet students’ needs in a context of distance education. --Much easier to get from a face-to-face learning environment. According to their research, Moore found that in an online learning environment, unlike traditional classroom, teachers and students do not see each other. E-teachers described how, due to the lack of visual clues, students could experience “fear” and “anxiety” when interacting with others. Other online educators talked about the lack of face-to-face interactions with students leave the teacher with a feeling of isolation and uncertainty.

Rachel

Quotes:

“I don’t like school, no one likes me.” “Teachers do not care about what I have to say, they just think I’m causing trouble.” “No one wants to help me.” “ Everyone is against me.” “How does any of this stuff help me in the future?” ‘Everyday is the same.” “I don’t like sports or school dances. Who cares about that anyways.”

Cons:

~Problematic students often are brushed aside for bad behavior, instead of focusing on the root of the problem. ~Traditional classrooms are generally packed with students, makes had for differentiated learning, little one on one time with teacher, can be loud and distracting, teachers can not meet the needs of everyone all the time. ~Schedules and learning is not flexible, very structured and mundane. ~Much time is wasted to busy work, distractions, announcements. ~Students who are reserved or troubled may have hard time fitting in. ~Much time can be spent trying to fit into a group, or act a certain way for attention. ~Often students feel that school is something they have to endure. ~Lessons and learning is usually passive. ~Not enough critical thinking, or real life application.