Controversy about Virtual Classrooms in Middle School - Research Paper Example

Controversy about Virtual rooms in Middle School 22nd, July, The Virtual room for Middle School Education and style of approach to its application has gone through tremendous change especially in the last two decades due to the overwhelming technological advancement. A brief look at forms of education across the many past generations show a significant difference in the way in which education is being dispensed to students. In prehistoric times, learning was often done through mere apprenticeship whereby students learned many things through observation. Learning happened in extremely remote and primitive way. Methods of the school curriculum were subject to technology and prevailing discoveries of that time. Nevertheless, many scholars came about during this era and made discoveries, which are still subjects of study until today. In modern classrooms, learning has become extremely sophisticated due to implementation of technology in learning. Ideally, almost every aspect of learning has been virtualized. Libraries have been made electronic and traditional libraries only used rarely for rigorous research only. Student-tutor communication has shifted from physical to virtual. Almost all learning institutions have embraced virtual learning through online modules. The question remains if the education system is going towards the right direction with the current technological advancement. Whereas it is possible for students at higher levels of learning to handle the challenges of virtual learning, implementation of virtual learning for grade schools remains a controversy. Therefore, a rigorous approach towards demystifying the controversy needs to be taken, at least to bring clarity into this controversial issue. What are the consequences of embracing virtual classroom technology in lower levels of learning? Introduction There has been a lot of controversy on whether or not to adopt the system of virtual teaching in the American education sector. Many factors have contributed to this unrelenting debate. In a bid to provide solutions to unequal access to education facilities, many proposals keep coming along. In America, public schools mainly get funds from property tax. This factor makes schools in the rich neighborhoods benefit the most. The result is that schools in the rich neighborhood tend to perform better than the poor ones (Colvin & Kwinn, 2007). The poor students are already struggling with other issues of life and therefore, being at the same level with others may be a mere dream. Certainly, education is the engine of mobility and therefore, embracing new technologies in learning seems to be the way forward in realizing mobility in the modern society. However, due to differences in societal issues affecting education, virtual learning comes in handy albeit with some challenges. In order to standardize learning, should virtual classrooms be adopted? Virtual classroom has both advantages and disadvantages if adopted in an institution. Traditional classroom methods will be compared to the virtual classroom method in the hope of shedding more light into the debate on applicability of virtual classrooms especially at lower levels of learning. At the end of this research paper, recommendations on which way to follow regarding virtual classrooms will be provided. The controversy here lies on applicability of virtual classroom for students at lower levels of learning. The context of study in this case is in middle class level particularly students between sixth to eighth grade. A debate on whether to allow virtual classroom in middle class or not is, indeed, controversial. History Looking down the history, we see a situation where learning had to take place in a teacher student scenario. Learning changed tremendously when technology came up with many ingenious ways to communicate, access information, and disseminate knowledge to students (Cavanaugh, 2009). Seemingly, virtual classroom brought a lot of enthusiasm, as one method that would be time saving and less costly (Colvin & Kwinn, 2007). Actually, virtual classroom has been viewed as one of the best ways to bring equality to education. Importance This project is of immense significance because learning is increasingly becoming more technologically oriented. In May 2012, the district approved a proposal that the school that I work in be the only virtual school in the district. Having knowledge of what middle school virtual learning entails will have a positive impact on my career as a teacher. It will endow me with foundation and additional experience that I have to bring to class. This project will also provide me with tools and skills that I will share with my colleagues at work. The Two Controversial Sides Some teachers disagree about adopting virtual classroom system. They fear that many parents will take their children to other schools. This may render them with less or no work in the long run (Heppell, 2007). Opponents of virtual classroom argue that learning away from school especially for students at lower learning levels will be a great challenge since the students may not handle societal issues, which are often cushioned against while at school (Weller, (2007). They argue that wholesome learning can only be realized when students learn in learning environment that is conducive. Additionally, physical interaction between teachers and students has often been proposed as the best learning methodology (Heppell, 2007). Parents too, have similar views. On the other hand, administrators are in support of virtual classroom system. They claim that, through it, children and their parents will become responsible for their studies and embark on giving it serious consideration (Cavanaugh, 2009). This is contrary to a situation where students remain in the hands of teachers alone and parents fail to play their part (Seale, 2009). The administrators further argue that this method will alleviate some of the responsibilities teachers have to contend with at school while in custody of students. Online learning gives extra information that the teacher may not avail (Cavanaugh, 2009). One thing, however, those administrators should ask themselves is whether middle class students are ready to handle the challenges of virtual learning. Criteria for Evaluation Some of the criteria used to evaluate the stand of teachers and parents on this matter include review of information or literature on impacts of virtual classroom on all stakeholders. Another criterion is to develop a hypothesis for the controversy for having virtual classroom. The next criterion is the definition of both sides this will elaborate why teachers oppose virtual classroom and why administrators propose it. Selection of participants and control of extraneous variables is another method. Interviewing parents, teachers and administrators, will also be another criterion to use in developing this plot. Data collection, analysis, and result interpretation will also be put into use. Supporting Evidences I will use the AIU library to locate specific scholarly sources and textbooks, which I used in my AIU courses. I will also get additional information from the internet especially Google books where I can find credible and authentic resource materials. Believability or Credibility of Sources Each of the given sources is credible and can be believed. The AIU books in the library give a clear study in this issue, and so it will be an adequate source of information. The internet/Google especially Google books has many relevant books on this specific topic. There are many online books and statistics on the same if one goes online. Therefore, it will be a dependable source. Personal Conclusion I strongly believe that physical interaction between student and the teachers is the best approach towards effective learning. The bond created is overwhelmingly important especially for students at grade school where the students are still undergoing the nurturing process. On the other hand, online learning will only prepare a student for exams and neglect the wholesome education that a child requires. Personal Relationship with This Study As a student, I agree to the fact that, the virtual learning experience will give students an opportunity to learn online while at home without having to attend school. I am also an online student and so this can work. On the other hand, I am a teacher, and I love teaching and nurturing students to be the best tools of societal advancement. I love working with children from diverse walks of life. Currently I am a teacher, and if this can be adopted, that chance with my students can be taken away from me. Applicability of the Idea on Teaching I will present my findings to the stakeholders at my working place especially teachers, parents, and board members. They will use the findings to give this controversial matter the best approach. Teacher will be able to learn what e-learning requires from them in a virtual classroom situation and prepare adequately. Parents will be able to know their part in the student’s virtual learning so that they may adequately prepare to take onto that responsibility. Lesson At the end of this project, I will be able to describe the controversy that exists between teachers and administrators on virtual classroom for middle school students. I will be able to write a research paper on the virtual campus for middle school. I will be in a position to determine whether using online learning and instruction would be more appropriate for middle school students than traditional classroom method. Conclusion A project on the controversy that exists in a virtual classroom for middle class is particularly important at this point in time. The project will bring clarity on whether virtual learning is effective in disseminating knowledge to students in grade school. Virtual learning was to be a means of bridging the gap between rich and pure students. Taking this study will help in giving the needed information about the controversy and the approach that the target audience should have towards it. References Colvin, C & Kwinn, A. (2007). The New Virtual Classroom: Evidence-Based Guidelines for Synchronous E-Learning. London: John Wiley & Sons. Heppell, K (2007), Virtually There: Learning Platforms, YHGfL/Cleveratom, Weller, M. (2007). Virtual Learning Environments: Using, choosing and developing your VLE, London: Routledge. Seale, J. (2009). A Research Briefing by the Technology Enhanced Learning Phase of the Teaching and Learning Research Program. Cavanaugh, C. (2009). Effectiveness of cyber charter schools: A review of research on learnings. TechTrends, 53(4), 28-31. Read More