Open Source Goes To High School

The Open High School of Utah is a public charter school that is an on-line high school.  Its mission statement is as follows:

The Open High School of Utah is putting the focus where it should be – on the student. Our mission is to facilitate lifelong success by meeting the needs of the 21st century learner through individualized, student-centered instruction, innovative technology, service learning, and personal responsibility. (taken from the school's website: http://www.openhighschool.org/general-information/about-us/)

I see on-line Open Source learning as more of an additional teaching strategy than a replacement to traditional education.  I do think it has its place for students who travel or have demands outside of school that would require home-based learning or a tutor.   

Where I can see the advantages of on-line coursework, as I am taking two on-line classes now, I definitely see the limitations as well.  I think the student that decides to pursue on-line work has to understand his/her learning style and if on-line is appropriate for that style.   Self-knowledge of a student’s own learning style is not a skill all high school students possess.  One of the teachers stated in the video, some students are smart and will understand quickly, and those that need extra help will get individualized attention.  When I think back to my experience as a Biology teacher covering a difficult concept, like genetics, I explained things multiple times and in multiple ways.  Sometimes it was just a look from a student that signaled to me "Hey, I am not getting this."  I would worry that subtle gestures would be lost in on-line learning, especially at an age where frustration can lead to giving up.  Additionally, we did a wide variety of labs.  I know that there are virtual labs, even Open Source, available, but does it really compare to touching, smelling, seeing, hearing and even occasionally tasting.  It is hard for me to think it does.  I understand the business world wants employees that can meet the technology demands of the 21st century, but at what cost. 

StudyBoost

After reading about the pros and cons of iPads utilization in schools, I started thinking about technology that many students already had available --- the cell phone.  

I came across StudyBoost (https://www.studyboost.com/).  It is a free service.  Once an account is created, a student can create his/her own batch of questions or use an existing batch of questions.  Most subject areas are covered.  The student chooses to receive messages via GoogleTalk, Facebook, Yahoo Messenger, text messaging or Jabber.  Then based upon the settings set by the student, questions are sent to the student to answer.  I signed up to see what it was like.  Within a few minutes, I received my first question "What is the capital of Alabama?".

Granted, I know not all students have a cell phone or unlimited text messaging.  However, it could be a tool that may interest some students and encourage learning when they have a few minutes to spare.

iPads in Education

I really enjoyed searching Apple's iPad Education site.  The video that is on the site has examples of how the iPad has transformed learning from a public elementary school in Chicago to high school science to medical school in Durham. 

http://www.apple.com/education/ipad/#iwork

Additionally, the educational apps for the iPad seems endless.  My son plays Kindergarten TeachMe and loves it.  It teaches addition, subtraction, spelling and sight words in a very fun way.  With every three questions answered correctly, a coin is earned.  They can then "spend" their coins at the marketplace.  Learning occurs on many levels.  It was fascinating to watch my four-year old figure out how many more coins he needed for fish for his aquarium, then go back and answer questions until he has enough coins.

To Blog or Not to Blog

Prior to this class, I could never of imagined myself blogging.  I viewed blogging as journaling, and I hate journaling.  I do not like to express myself by writing about my feelings.  The idea of an on-line diary, where good for some, was just not for me.  However, now that I understand how practical blogging is and how useful it can be, I think I am really going to enjoy this.  I love the idea of subscribing to different feeds and having information that I am interested in to be sent to me as opposed to me finding it.  I also like the idea of sharing helful information with others who may want to view my blog and vice versa.  Who knows where blogging will take me!