It’s estimated that it will take 100 years to close the achievement gap between white and minority children and those of different economic situations in Washington state. However, education reformers think they can speed up the process if they get serious about incorporating technology into the curriculum.
The University of Washington’s Center on Reinventing Public Education proposed to a forum in Washington that students have access to digital or online learning that can be customized to fit their specific needs. Digital programs allow learners to go at their own pace, retake a failed course, and take an advanced course not offered through their school.
Digital reformers say school systems need to be “disrupted” in order for a digital revolution to take place: a digital movement cannot happen in the parameters of the old system. Today, almost 40 states offer online education to their students, and by 2019, it’s projected that 50 percent of high schools will offer online courses.
We just launched a new website for my company, LifeBound. On it, you will find online book assessments, study guides, tests, webinars, and the virtual academy. We, too, believe technology is a powerful tool that can make knowledge accessible to the masses and we strive to offer materials in multiple mediums to reach as many people as possible. Visit our website at www.lifebound.com.
Do you think digital learning is the answer to closing the achievement gap?
Sources:
“School Experts in Seattle Discuss Online Learning” by Donna Gordon Blakinship. 12 September 2011. Seattle Pi. 14 September 2011. <http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/School-experts-in-Seattle-discuss-online-learning-2166710.php>
Funny how I was over at my grandmother’s two days ago and we were watching the local news reporters talk about closing the achievement gap using technologies. Many of the schools have now put in over 600,000 dollars to fund new iPads for elementary and middle school children. The children can learn at their own pace in the classroom and the teacher has now become the facilitator-being there to help. Students love being online at home, why not implement this aspect in classrooms?
In my opinion, whatever will help close the gap and get each individual onto their paith, I am all for it.
Thanks!