Distance Learning in Alaska
eSchool News has an article about a new distance learning initiative in Alaska (www.eschoolnews.com/news/showStoryts.cfm?ArticleID=4503 .) The Alaska Online project is a consortium of nine districts. Most of Alaska’s high schools have less than 100 students, and it’s virtually impossible to provide a comprehensive schedule of classes with the teachers in those buildings. In particular, it’s hard to offer college prepartory and higher-level courses. The online classes are designed to help fill that need.
All of the classes offered through the program are developed by Alaska teachers, and are available to participating districts at no cost. Districts outside the cooperative can register students for a fee. The local building is required to assign a mentor who can provide in-person support and enouragment to the student.
One reality check is that the learning styles of some students aren’t suited to online courses. As the population of participants extends from more highly-motivated, college-bound kids, there may be more challenges. As one superintendent notes, most of his students are Native American that prefer to see things rather than read about them, and have a strong need to understand the local use of the information. (Sounds like the average adult learner, too.) He’s concerned that “…that this type of learning will really alienate a portion of our kids.” On the other hand, with high schools ranging in size from 5 to 25 (no, I’m not missing any digits there!), he hasn’t got many other options.
The website for the consortium is at www.eed.state.ak.us/Alaskan_Schools/ACS/alaskaonline/about.html.