Erika+Allen

= = =My Notes= [|impact of online schools]

Another potential limitation for virtual school growth may be the learner characteristics necessary for successful online students. Self-directed, goal oriented workers typically do well in this environment. Successful online learners tend to be independent learners capable of working at their own pace without an instructor's daily face-to-face reminders. Many virtual schools are currently attempting to discourage students who are not motivated, self-monitoring learners from registering for computer-based instruction.

[|number of teachers in the us]

=How many teachers are there?= August 29, 2009 pm31 3:24 pmby jd2718 In the US, as of five years ago, 6.2 million. I ran into an old page, a summary of some census findings. Overall, 83% white. 8% Black. 5% Hispanic (any country of origin). 3% Asian. One half of one per cent Alaskan Native or Pacific Islander. It’s still women’s work: 71% female. And the lower the grade level, the smaller the proportion of men.
 * level || women || men || % female ||
 * PreK/K || 430k || 8k || 98% ||
 * elementary/middle || 2.45M || 0.65M || 79% ||
 * secondary || 460k || 310k || 59% ||
 * post-secondary || 500k || 600k || 46% ||
 * special ed || 150k || 25k || 87% ||
 * other || 375k || 185k || 67% ||

[|number of teachers]

Number of all teachers in the United States.
 * 6.2 million**

[|negatives]

** The Negative Side of Distance Learning ** ** Less Institutional Name Recognition - ** While distance learning is still evolving, a degree or certificate issued by a distance learning program may not be as valued by potential employers as one issued by a university with a name familiar to a prospective employer. But don't despair, many universities wit h highly recognizable names are seeing the value of distance learning and are beginning to create their own distance education programs.
 * Hardware & Software Glitches - ** As we all know, computers have a habit of fritzing out at the worst possible moment. The possibility of hardware and software problems alone might be enough to drive less technically experienced students away from distance learning.
 * Less Financial Aid - **Financial aid is not often available to independent learning students. Students can sometimes get aid from employers, unions, and federal aid but institutional aid is usually reserved for "traditional" students.
 * Limited Opportunities for Expression - ** People will always talk faster than they can type. Typing, as a medium of communication, also loses some of the nonverbal communication that often accompanies verbal communication. This nonverbal communication can often be as important as words themselves. Consequently, many nuances of a writer's intent are lost through typing.
 * Limited Opportunity for Presentations - ** Most people dread public speaking with a vehemence. Giving a face-to-face presentation to a real audience is often an anxiety filled, but valuable experience. With the use of online distance learning programs, presentation skills are not an important part of the overall course. This is because the limited bandwidth of the internet doesn't make such presentations practical. Thus a lot of good practice in public speaking and presentations is lost. We would suggest enrolling in a public speaking/presenting course at your local college/community school to practice this important skill, in addition to your online learning.
 * Limited Personal Interaction - ** While the internet may foster increased interaction through forums and chat rooms you may miss those lively classroom discussions that bring up issues in a class that you might have been wondering about yourself and just haven't asked about yet. You might also have fewer opportunities for developing lifelong friendships online than in a traditional classroom situation.

[|cons of online schools]


 * Cons:**

[|disadvantages]

Disadvantages
Naturally, most online programs don't have all of the fun elements of high schools: prom, senior day, graduation, etc. If losing these aspects of traditional high school doesn't bother you, there is still another concern along the same lines-isolation. Some online students may develop anti-social feelings. Make sure your online high school has forums where other students and you can chat. If the school doesn't offer forums, see if they have any recommendations to avoid feeling cut-off from peers. Another consideration is that many people find it a challenge to focus on completing work when no an actual teacher is present to encourage them on a daily basis. Let's face it, all of us need some encouragement every now and again. However, teachers serve as more than slave drivers, they are also the ones you should go to if you have problems with your assignments. Clearly, this poses a problem for online students. Some subjects, such as English and math, may be hard to comprehend without a teacher present. Finally, be aware that online schools that are not accredited produce transcripts that probably won't be accepted by businesses and universities. In addition, unless you find an accredited charter school, you might need to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars for tuition, curriculum and computer equipment.

[|disadvantages2]

Disadvantages
> Another disadvantage of online schools is the technology involved. It just isn't available to everyone. The world is rapidly becoming more and more connected by modern technology, but some people still do not have ready access to a computer and Internet connection. And many of those who do have the required equipment are too intimidated by it to take advantage of online schools. > Learning through online schools restricts interaction between teacher and student. This is a disadvantage for those students who need the immediate feedback that such interaction provides.
 * 1) Being a successful student at an online school requires self-discipline. This is a disadvantage for students who have difficulty with time management and procrastination. While being able to set your own schedule can be an advantage, it can also be a disadvantage. Some students need the structure of traditional schools.

[|limited social interaction]

Limited Social Interaction
Since you're not on campus or in classes, you may lack opportunities to meet other students. You will not have many opportunities to interact face-to-face with your professors, so they may not have a real sense of who you are as a person. If you enjoy meeting new people and learn better while you're interacting with other people, you may want to reconsider online education.

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