The chapter of new systems in education was fairly interesting. It explained the different approaches for schooling including home schooling, workplace learning, distance education, adult education, learning centers, educational television and videos, computer based learning software, technical certifications and internet cafes.
I was surprised to find out that homeschooling enrollment increased by 29% in the last 4 years, I always thought that in our decade many people would send their children to public school rather than home school. I myself know very few people who have been home schooled. This section really opened my eyes; home school students overall score was significantly better on standardized tests in every subject area. This could be relevant because home school students are use to individual tasks in a less distracted area. There are many benefits to homeschooling which include the individualization of the coursework and the ability to spend a longer amount of time in certain areas. Homeschooling also allows parents to not worry about violence at school and the peer pressure that is relevant in public schools. Homeschooling does allow the students to have much more variety in the subjects that they are being taught and gives extra time for special activities including different classes, homeschooling groups and or additional online courses. This chapter reemphasizes the fact that it is difficult to home school when both parents maintain full time jobs. I thought it was extremely interesting how most home school students are very active and involved; the girls talked about in the chapter take regular gym classes at the YWCA.
Distance Education definitely has its benefits along with homeschooling; it consists of being in a classroom with a teacher talking to your physical class through a screen or online schooling. This allows for many more options for students. I personally have taken a distant learning class and really did not enjoy it as much as in classroom learning but still felt the experience was nice. It is great for students who may not feel comfortable in a large lecture hall and would rather do their work at their own pace with a teacher involved. I found it fascinating how many students are enrolled in distant education courses and I think it’s great that it allows people with 9-5 jobs to be able to go to school.
I feel that learning centers are excellent resources for all students. This way all students can get specialized help in a particular area. These learning centers can really help students and parents. I remember when I was in school and needed additional help I would ask my parents, and most of the time they wouldn’t know how to explain it to me. At learning centers there are many fantastic resources for parents to take their child to get immediate help on many different topics. Learning centers seem to be a great learning environment with many resources available. It allows for a positive learning environment.
Internet cafes are a fantastic idea as well and allow students a use of the internet if their family doesn’t have the funds to maintain it at their house.
This chapter was interesting and gave many different viewpoints that I have never thought about and each of the benefits that these different systems play. Although personally I feel some side effects are possible with a few of them they were all extremely interesting to learn about. I feel that there are more options that students can utilize the resources including the learning centers and distant learning for topics that are not offered at their particular school.
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