Solving Educational Problems with the Help of Virtual Learning - Research Paper Example

? Annotated Bibliography Annotated Bibliography Friedman, H., H. & Friedman, L., W. . Crises in Education: Online Learning as a Solution. Creative Education, 2, (3), 156-163. This source identified some of the challenges that afflict the education system in the United States in the modern age and the possible value of virtual learning to address them. The identified challenges include budgetary constraints, the need to make education more interesting to students, and the need to improve the standards of education. The author relied on a wide range of research findings from studies that have attempted to explore the efficacy of the virtual learning. Generally, the findings of the study showed online learning are user-friendly and cost-effective. This study would be useful in this study, as it would supply resourceful insights to expand the critical dimensions of the study. Peterson, P., E. (2010). Saving Schools: From Horace Mann to Virtual Learning. New York: Harvard University Press. This book explored the subject of virtual learning within the overall perspective of the historical development of the American education system. The book analyzed the efforts of change advocated by prominent reformers from the eighteenth century to the current period. One general observation that the study makes is that the reform efforts did not yield the desired results as originally intended by the reformers. For instance the book argues that the falling standards of America’s education system is a result of the cumulative effects of past reform efforts. However, the study concludes that virtual learning has the potential of reversing the damage done on the American education system. This source would be resourceful in analyzing the possible opportunities and pitfalls of virtual learning. Kupczynski, L., Mundy, M., A., Goswami, J., Meling, V. (2012). Cooperative Learning in Distance Learning: A Mixed Methods Study. International Journal of Instruction, 5, (2), 81-90. This study sought to determine the efficacy of cooperative learning within virtual settings. The study was conducted at a Hispanic Serving Institute. The study compared between the traditional forms of online learning and online cooperative learning on the score of effectiveness. The study consisted of 56 participants. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in the study. Regarding the quantitative results, the study established that there was no significant difference in performance between students from the traditional online approaches and those in the online cooperative learning category. However, qualitative results of this study showed that a significant percentage of the respondents in the cooperative learning category were more satisfied than those in the traditional forms of online learning. The relevance of this source to the study is to be determined from the score of comparisons between the different forms of virtual learning in relation to its relevance in grade school. Sun, K. (2005). A study on learning effect among different learning styles in a Web-based lab of science at elementary schools. Advanced Learning Technologies. 80-82 This study sought to investigate the value of virtual learning within the field of science at the elementary level. The study involved a comparison of between two groups in a laboratory learning session. The intervention group was subjected to a web-based program of learning while the control group was limited to conventional forms of laboratory learning. The results showed that students from the web-based learning program showed better results than those in the conventional methods. The results also showed that the virtual learning model was suitable for different forms of learning. Further, the results of the study indicated that a majority of the students preferred to be subjected to the web-based models of learning than the other forms of learning. A significant majority expressed their displeasure in the exclusive use of the textbook model of teaching and argued in favor of changes towards the virtual learning system. This study would constitute an important support to the research, as it would reflect on the possible factors that are resident within the argument for the inclusion of virtual learning in a wide range of fields in grade schools. Christensen, C., Johnson, C., W., & Horn, M., B. (2008). Disrupting Class: How Disruptive Innovation Will Change the Way the World Learns. New York: McGraw-Hill. The study points out some of the fundamental weaknesses in America’s K-12 education system with express suggestions regarding the need to revamp the system in a manner that will make it more responsive to technological advancements. The study points out that there exists a mismatch between the learning requirements and the methods applied towards meeting these requirements. The thrust of the authors’ argument is that the American education system should be revamped in order to serve the learners with appropriate skills and knowledge that they require to fit into the fast-paced world of developments. Particularly, the study lays significant emphasis on the aspect of reform in the context of virtual learning. This study argues that virtual learning is a necessary implement of overhauling the education system that is full of challenges and inefficiencies. This study will be necessary to enrich the understanding of the merits of virtual learning in grade schools as an arguable factor of technological development. Horn, M., & Skater, H. (2011). The Rise of K–12 Blended Learning. Innosight Institute. Retrieved from http://www.innosightinstitute.org/innosight/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/The-Rise-of-K-12-Blended-Learning.pdf This study explores the growth of virtual learning and its preference in many parts of the world. The study gives projections and scenarios for the future with particular regard to the incorporation of this learning within the different levels of the schooling system. The study focuses on the increasing adoption of this form of learning as an external indicator of a new world order in the education system that will be driven largely by the element of technology. Equally explored in this study are the various advantages that relate to this form of learning over the traditional teacher-student forms of learning. It might be important to focus on some of the challenges explored in this study with regard to logistical challenges and loss of teacher-student contact. This source will be of much value to this study because it will help build on some of the tenets of virtual technology innovations as they apply to the lower levels of learning. Spector, M., Ifenthaler, D., & Isaias, P. (2010). Learning and Instruction in the Digital Age. New York: Springer. This study expanded its exploration of virtual learning to include its application across various disciplines. The intention of the authors was to measure the levels of respectability of the students to the virtual learning environment across the various categories. The studies explored a wealth of literature that had conducted researches on students’ opinion regarding virtual learning. From the responses obtained it was found out that students in the arts were less likely to fully embrace the concept of virtual learning as compared to students in the computer science departments. Opinions were sought from the art students concerning the virtual learning matter. The responses obtained showed that the art students listed more disadvantages of than merits of the system. For instance, they cited lack of interpersonal class association as one of the disadvantages of virtual learning. This study will benefit from these findings since it will be necessary to explore the patterns of interest of students in grade schools with regard to the opinions on virtual learning against their subject fields. Reisman, S. (2003). Electronic Learning Communities: Issues and Practices. New York: IAP. This source delves into some of the issues that have come to the fore regarding the merits, demerits, and general challenges that relate to the adoption of virtual models of learning within the schooling systems. The study explores the strengths and weaknesses of the system with particular focus on the adoption of the system and the likely losses that might result from the abandoning the conventional methods of instruction. In some parts of the study comparisons are made with a view of showcasing the possible strengths of the virtual system as a technological tool for easy access to information. Nevertheless, the study also extends its reach into some of the factors that concern the difficulties in the use of virtual tools. One major argument that is made is that the efficiency of the virtual learning model will depend on the ability and expertise of both teachers and learners to make use of the technological tools. Inefficient use of the virtual resources and logistical challenges on the part of either the instructors or students might make the system generally counterproductive. The value of this study to the research is to be understood in terms of the need to inculcate the fundamental challenges and strengths of virtual learning in perceptions of its relevance to grade level students. Lewis, D. (2004). Virtual Learning Communities. New York: McGraw-Hill International. This book brings into perspective the opportunities that are resident within the virtual learning community. The author adopts an all-encompassing perspective that explores how the different fields of human life might benefit by appropriating the advantages brought about by the virtual learning environment. According to the author virtual learning has enabled the growth of knowledge, economic opportunities, business and other knowledge related matters. The growth of these discourses is related to the efficiency in the levels of sharing information between that is harnessed together by the power of online resources. Essentially, the author explores the matter of virtual learning as a sum total of the different issues that concern human life. In relation to education, virtual learning provides opportunities for both informal and formal aspects of learning. This book will provide useful insights to the study by reinforcing the perspectives that have supported the synergies supplied by virtual learning. The book will also help in providing necessary facts to enrich some of the competing perspectives that have sought to discredit the relevance of virtual learning at the elementary levels of education. Weller, M. (2007). Virtual Learning Environments: Using, Choosing and Developing Your VLE. New York: Taylor & Francis. This book bemoans the insufficient use of virtual learning environments in the institutions of learning. The author argues that educational institutions have developed a tendency of piecemeal application of the virtual learning system. According to this argument, virtual learning environment shall evolve to define the shape and image of future educational systems. It is therefore necessary for current educational systems to move from selective use of this resource to a more comprehensive application. The author argues that the use of virtual systems in specific programs and subjects is not representative of the general philosophy behind the development of these resources. Virtual learning systems should provide a replacement for the existing pedagogical approaches and the conventional tools that have always been employed by educators. This argument elevates the role of virtual systems of learning from the presumed complementary aspect to the ideal system. This publication shall help in the development of literature concerning the value and lost opportunities of the virtual learning systems in grade schools. Yu, X. (2010). An exploration of developing multi-touch virtual learning tools for young children. Education Technology and Computer, 3, 3-7. This study explores the different kinds of enabling resources that might be used by children to advance their knowledge in computer related matters. It is a study that captures the various advantages that are resident within the virtual learning environment. Basically, the author argues that young computer learners can benefit significantly from the computer resource if provided with sufficient tools that might help them acclimatize with the demands of the internet technology. Basically, the study addresses the matter of suitability of technology in relation to the customization by young learners. This study is important to the study in the sense that it encompasses various concerns that have been brought to the fore regarding internet developments that are friendly to the young users. The value of this recourse should be explored in light of criticisms that have been extended to computer systems with regard to virtual learning of young learners. It might be important to consider the value of this study to the research in terms of the missing link that prevents the incorporation of virtual technology to young learners. Asan, A. (2003). Computer Technology Awareness by Elementary School Teachers: A Case Study from Turkey. Journal of Information Technology Education, 2. This study investigated the levels of teachers’ awareness on various technologies that are relevant within the context of virtual learning. The study was conducted in Turkey and involved 252 teachers who responded to the study. The results from the study revealed that a significant majority of the teachers were not proficient in matters of computer technologies and could not make use of the computers to develop knowledge-relevant resources. It was also discovered that the use of computers was not common among the respondents. These results also showed variations in responses in line with demographic factors. Generally, it was discovered that years of teaching and the element of gender affected the affinity of the teaching fraternity to computers. These findings were attributed to lack of resources and training opportunities for teachers in basic education levels. These findings are reflective of the situations that obtain in many elementary schools. The study would be useful in providing comparative analyses with the American system particularly with regard to the role of teachers in enhancing virtual learning systems in grade schools. The study might help in exploring the virtual technology infrastructure in the United States against the levels of knowledge and skills by the teachers and students. Subramanyam, K., Kraut, R., E., Greenfield, P., M., & Gross, E., F. (2000). The Impact of Home Computer Use on Children’s Activities and Development. Children and Computer Technology, 10, (2). This study dwelt on the effects of increased use of computers by children within schools and at home environment. The study attempted to explore the possible merits and demerits of the technology. Some of the findings of the study were that increased use of computers has some positive impact on the cognitive levels of children. It was also found out that virtual resources increased the comprehension skill of children leading to the development of critical individuals. Some of the negative findings of the study were that children who were increasingly exposed to computers were more susceptible to stress and depression than those who are more exposed to more conventional methods of learning. The relevance of this source to the research should be perceived in terms of its application to the possible effects of virtual learning to grade level students. Roschelle, J. et al (2001). Changing How and What Children Learn in School with Computer-Based Technologies. The Future of Children, 10, (2). This study explored the ways in which computer technology might be put into more efficient use than the way it is currently engaged. The researcher observed that the introduction of computer-based knowledge does not necessarily translate into positive results in the learning process. The study recognizes the capacity of computers in enhancing the efficiency of the learning process and increasing the levels of cognition among the students. However, the study concluded that it is necessary for the education systems to be overhauled in order to accommodate virtual learning models. For instance, the study proposes that curriculum changes, teacher training, and changes in assessment methods have to be conducted in order to accommodate the virtual learning models within the school systems. This source would help this study in expanding the understanding of the unexploited areas of virtual learning in grade level schools. Shamir, H., Crowther, M., & Sirrine, C. (2012). Comparing Computer-based Instruction, Preschool Instruction, and Supplementary Reading Material. Retrieved from http://www.actapress.com/Abstract.aspx?paperId=31856 This study involved 218 schoolchildren as respondents. They were subjected to three kinds of tests in order to obtain comparative assessments of their test scores. One group of children was subjected to computer-based instructions, which included some supplementary reading materials. The second group was subjected to traditional instructions, while the third group was introduced to supplementary materials only. The results indicated that children in the computer-based category improved in phonological awareness and word recognition more than the other category of children. However, children in the traditional and supplementary categories recorded improvements in terms of vocabulary more than the computer-based children. On this score, it might be argued that virtual learning has its merits and demerits. These findings would be resourceful for this study in light of exploring the resident opportunities and possible disadvantages of virtual learning in grade-level schools. Read More