Article Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/11/technology/remote-learning-online-school.html
Article Summary
Online schools have been part of the United States learning system since the 1990s, but their popularity and relevance have never been higher than during the covid-19 pandemic. Covid-19 caused a seismic disruption to the learning systems, and hence, remote programs were initially intended to provide temporary learning to outlive the pandemic. However, what started as temporary learning methods has gained popularity and has been upheld by some as the main learning program for their kids. Majorly, online schools have been upheld by parents with children with health issues and trauma due to discrimination and bullying (Singer, 2021). However, online schools have been criticized for poor performances that stall students’ academic progress and adversely affect their emotional health.
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The demand for online schools has risen drastically, with 20% of district administrators confirming that their schools had initiated virtual schools or were planning to initiate them as post-pandemic programs. Districts that disapprove virtual schools risk losing students along with federal and state funding (Singer, 2021). In districts with minority groups such as African Americans, the demand for virtual schools is higher as parents consider them safer and more convenient. However, some legislators and academicians consider virtual schools as hazards to children's development, academic performance, and social integration as learners have limited physical interactions with other students and teachers.
Connections with Course Material
The topic of virtual schooling relates to the concepts of student-teacher relationships and children's development discussed in the course. Online schools create virtual relationships between teachers and students, different from the relationships in a classroom setting. Besides, children's development in virtual schooling is a major concern due to the limited interaction between teachers and other students. The classroom setting creates an environment for social, emotional, and psychological growth, which will be significantly limited in virtual classes. Even though virtual classes are here to stay even beyond the pandemic, they cannot replicate the academic performance and child development setting in physical schools.
Reference
Singer, N. (2021, April 14). Online schools are here to stay, even after the pandemic. The New York Times . https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/11/technology/remote-learning-online-school.html
