There are many reasons for the boom in online learning. Many high school and college graduates of today cannot remember when computers were not available. They take technology for granted and the concept of not having computers in the classroom is not part of their reality.
Add to that, the mandates of NCLB and the fact that the ratio of computers to students in schools has improved. Online courses tend to be easier to maneuver around one’s already busy schedule. The vast improvements in technology and the acceptance of the Internet have given online courses more credibility. The question is no longer whether the school is going to use technology in the classroom but rather what is the best way to utilize the available technology. (Tetreault, 2005)
This trend in using the internet for instruction benefits the students by improving the quality of education and the availability of information. It benefits teachers and parents by making it easier to report and monitor the progress of the child. Society is benefited by the leveling of the playing ground for the economically disadvantaged.
Tetreault, D. R. (2005, April). Administrative Technology: New Rules, New Tools, The Journal. Retreived January 28, 2006, from
http://thejournal.com/articles/17226
1 comment:
You are right. The Internet in and of itself does not improve the quality of education. I equated quality with better access to information. I do believe that used properly it can improve the quality, but I think I should have said technology in general or more specifically, the use of computers.
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