by Bruce Friend
The Horizon Report is a publication that examines emerging technologies that have the potential to positively impact teaching and learning as well as the challenges that must be overcome to keep a student’s educational experience relevant and rewarding. The 2010 edition of the K-12 Horizon Reports offers some interesting insights, but some that are not necessarily new in the mind of homeschool families.
Of all the critical challenges that the report identifies that our educational system must address, the one that I found to be most interesting reads “Many activities related to learning and education take place outside the walls of the school classroom – yet these experiences are often undervalued or unacknowledged.” In further describing this challenge, the report states, “Beyond the classroom walls, students can take advantage of online resources, explore ideas and practice skills using games and other programs they may have on systems at home, and interact with their extensive — and constantly available— social networks.”
As I read this particular challenge and description, I found myself nodding my head in agreement but also recognizing that placing importance on creating out-of-classroom experiences and interacting with social groups is an instructional strategy that home educators have used for years, if not since the inception of homeschooling itself.
The introduction of technology into the teaching and learning process can expand students learning experiences. Through online courses, students have greater choice of course offerings and access to subject matter experts from around the world that they can learn from. Social networking sites have the potential to connect students with similar interests without geographic barriers. Web 2.0 tools allow students to collect, journal, and report on their studies in a way that is more meaningful, personal, and fun.
Knowing that out-of-class experiences can be of equal if not more valuable than traditional methods of teaching and learning is not new. Using technology can make sure experiences more impactful and memorable.
If you have questions about the use of online learning and what options may be available to you, feel free to email me at: bruce.friend@sas.com
Bruce Friend is the Director of SAS® Curriculum Pathways®, an award-winning education resource that provides online lessons, engaging tools and activities at no cost to U.S. educators. Bruce has spent the past decade working in the field of online learning. He is a national pioneer in helping to establish the country’s first statewide online program and has been the chief administrator of two state virtual schools.
In 2003 he was honored with the “Most Outstanding Achievement in Distance Education” award by the US Distance Learning Association. Prior to joining SAS, Bruce was the Vice President of the International Association for K12 Online Learning; a non-profit organization that provides support to students, parents, and online learning programs.
The Horizon Report is a publication that examines emerging technologies that have the potential to positively impact teaching and learning as well as the challenges that must be overcome to keep a student’s educational experience relevant and rewarding. The 2010 edition of the K-12 Horizon Reports offers some interesting insights, but some that are not necessarily new in the mind of homeschool families.
Of all the critical challenges that the report identifies that our educational system must address, the one that I found to be most interesting reads “Many activities related to learning and education take place outside the walls of the school classroom – yet these experiences are often undervalued or unacknowledged.” In further describing this challenge, the report states, “Beyond the classroom walls, students can take advantage of online resources, explore ideas and practice skills using games and other programs they may have on systems at home, and interact with their extensive — and constantly available— social networks.”
As I read this particular challenge and description, I found myself nodding my head in agreement but also recognizing that placing importance on creating out-of-classroom experiences and interacting with social groups is an instructional strategy that home educators have used for years, if not since the inception of homeschooling itself.
The introduction of technology into the teaching and learning process can expand students learning experiences. Through online courses, students have greater choice of course offerings and access to subject matter experts from around the world that they can learn from. Social networking sites have the potential to connect students with similar interests without geographic barriers. Web 2.0 tools allow students to collect, journal, and report on their studies in a way that is more meaningful, personal, and fun.
Knowing that out-of-class experiences can be of equal if not more valuable than traditional methods of teaching and learning is not new. Using technology can make sure experiences more impactful and memorable.
If you have questions about the use of online learning and what options may be available to you, feel free to email me at: bruce.friend@sas.com
Bruce Friend is the Director of SAS® Curriculum Pathways®, an award-winning education resource that provides online lessons, engaging tools and activities at no cost to U.S. educators. Bruce has spent the past decade working in the field of online learning. He is a national pioneer in helping to establish the country’s first statewide online program and has been the chief administrator of two state virtual schools.
In 2003 he was honored with the “Most Outstanding Achievement in Distance Education” award by the US Distance Learning Association. Prior to joining SAS, Bruce was the Vice President of the International Association for K12 Online Learning; a non-profit organization that provides support to students, parents, and online learning programs.
