Reflection
1.2
Considering the online learning
self-assessment you took this week, and thinking about your reasons for taking
this course, what is your highest priority learning goal for this course? What
are some specific skills, strategies or tools you are hoping to learn more
about?
After
taking the self-assessment, I realized I know a lot more than I sometimes think
I do about 21st Century Learning. However, there are times that I am
unsure of myself and unsure how to incorporate this technology and the tools
into my classroom. I am taking this course because someone saw more in me
than I see in myself and they had the confidence that this course is something
that will enhance my teaching in the classroom while also enhancing my love for
learning. My highest priority is to master as many technology skills as
possible and then be able to teach them to students. Ultimately the goal
is to incorporate technology into every aspect of my teaching and the learning
day. Specifically, I want my students to be prepared for the future and
to gain the knowledge necessary in the 21st century to be successful and
productive learners. Learning how to incorporate Google Docs into my
daily routines is of first priority for me. I have seen others become
highly successful in this area and now it is up to me to gain the knowledge I
need to start using this tool.
Before
tackling this reflection I decided to read a little more about online teaching
and learning from others who have started teaching online. Bobby Hobgood, Ed.D. stated, "I have heard repeatedly that for every
hour of instruction online, the teacher must devote ten hours of preparation.
Not only is this true, but it might be an understatement for the novice online
teacher. " Since I an a novice online teacher, this statement scared
me. When I think of all the planning a preparing I already do in my
classroom, the thought of adding more, much more, is overwhelming. Then I
realized that this is the way of the future and where we are headed.
Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I need to learn everything I can in this course
and begin putting this knowledge into practice with my own classroom and
students. There is no better time than the present!
Hawaii Technology Academy
ReplyDelete2.1 Discussion: Profiles of Emerging Models
I read through a number of the schools and this one jumped out at me! It could be that I was recently up the street from this school or because I am starting to search for opportunities on the islands, but whatever the case I find this school very intriguing.
Hawaii Technology Academy is an Individual Charter School with an enrollment of 1,000 students in K-12. I am interested in HTA as it is a comprehensive school serving all grade levels, as many of the schools were structured mainly for middle and high school. HTA uses a rotation model where students on Kauai and Oahu must attend school at a learning center (there are only two so far) at least one day each week and teachers can increase this time for each student based on the student's needs. From this I can gather that parent involvement is key to the success of this school. Parents are the ones responsible for driving their student to and from school for the individual required time recommended by the teacher. Many of these students attend all 5 school days. Students not residing on these two islands use K-12, Inc's on-line programs remotely. K-12, Inc's curriculum is also used on-site at the learning centers. Material boxes with texts, videos, and instructional materials are sent to students at the remote locations on the other islands.
So, to break it down, 20% of the students attend school virtually, 20% attend the brick and mortar sites using on-line and face-to-face, and the remaining 60% of the students use on-site at a learning center and on-line at home. Of the 20% that attend actual schools and use on-line and face-to-face, 12% of the students are considered special education students.
Students in grades K-2 must attend a writing class each week on-site with a teacher. Grades 4, 7, and 9 attend a Hawaii State History class once each week and are offered field experience. I thought it was also interesting that the school offers various clubs and activities and a number of field trips. Details on how this works and fits in to the day were not mentioned. High School students are also afforded the opportunity to play sports at their local high school if they choose.
HTA employs about 30 teachers with a ratio of 33 to 1 making it about the same as most PSUSD classes. After calling the director, Jeff Pointek, and asking a few quick questions, I learned that the school is expanding and adding a learning center on Maui so they can offer a more blended approach on the island. They are currently working out issues with their Hawaii information system as Hawaii does not have a comprehensive data system, so all data has to be entered by hand.