Sunday, December 4, 2011
Personla Inter view with Jordan Illet, Boise High School English Teacher
Interview with Boise High School Teacher, Jordan Illet.
Nadira Mursalova: Do you prefer students taking online classes or in-school classes?
Jordan Illet: Online classes require that students are not only self-motivated, but proficient (sometimes advanced) in reading, writing, and comprehension abilities. I was never a student that could have been successful in an online class, mainly because there is little personal interaction with the instructor or other learners. I have a feeling that many students need that interaction in order to be successful. So…I guess my answer is that I prefer students to be in-school for learning, though there are students would thrive in an online learning environment.
NM: Do you thing students are more successful in online or traditional class setting?
JI: I believe that the traditional classroom setting is more effective overall for learners. It seems that online coursework consists of students reading text and spitting back information in the form of a test. I believe traditional classroom teachers have more opportunities to allow students to interact and practice content.
NM: Why do students prefer to take online classes? They think it’s easier?
JI: I think some students prefer to take online courses. Some students would prefer to complete their entire education online. This could be for many reasons including the fact that the social aspect of school is difficult for many students who feel they truly don’t fit in. Many students are missing credits, or have fallen behind with classes, and online courses are a good “fix.” Again, online learning is appropriate for some but not all students.
NM: Do you think students think online classes are easier?
JI: I have heard students comment that online classes are easier. One student mentioned that he finished an entire semester course in just one weekend. Students often have some “help” from friends to complete the course.
NM: Why the district does allows the students to take online classes, when there is some colleges do not except online class credit?
JI: That is a good question…I guess I wasn’t aware that some colleges did not accept online class credits.
NM: Do you think online or traditional version is easier to teach?
JI: For me, a traditional setting is easier. I enjoy integrating technology into my classroom, but I would absolutely hate being behind a computer screen for most (or all) of my day. It is just so much more powerful to interact (in person!) with the learners.
NM: Does student/teacher relationship is better in online or in traditional class?
JI: While I am certain that online learners/instructors have a relationship, to me it seems about the same level as two friends having an online relationship: shallow. I just don’t see how you could have a deep, meaningful discussion with another classmate or an instructor through a computer. There is no inflexion of voice, and no visual/emotional cues.
NM: In online class setting, students have more chance of cheating, do you think it will be helpful to achieve in their future life?
JI: NO.
NM: If the district knows that students can cheat on their test/quizzes why are they still allowing students to take online class?
JI: Another good question…I’m not sure if I have an answer for that
NM: In future life the percentage of students taking online classes will increase or decrease? Why or why not?
JI: Well, the number of students in online courses is already increasing, and I imagine it will continue to increase. Unless the online course requirements/regulations change (especially for high school credits), I can’t imagine how I could endorse the concept. Truly, online learning (if mandated) would remove teachers…good teachers…from the classroom. Students would not be exposed to powerful…real…learning. This cannot happen.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment