Di’s E-learning Experience

In our lesson last Wednesday there was some interesting debate on the virtues of the virtual classroom and if it could successfully replace the traditional face-to-face learning environment.  Generally I think it was felt that e-learning was a new and innovative form of education, however for best results a learning program should include a combination of e-learning (in the virtual classroom) and face-to-face learning. 

I was interested to see the that the example of School of the Air was brought up as an example of a successful virtual class room, especially since I had recently posted a blog on School of the Air. I think we must agree that School of the Air presents a very successful example of a virtual classroom.  However, the administrators and teachers of School of the Air recognise that the virtual class room experience does not provide a fully balanced learning experience for its pupils.

Recognising this, they have introduced several initiatives to complement the virtual classroom.  These include:

• at least one face-to-face visit by teachers to all students per year
• each student spends one week a year at the School of the Air headquarters in a classroom with other students.
• Camps – where groups of students,parents and teachers meet for a weekend camp (at woolshed or shed on one of the properties). These camps include sports, games, music and other interactivity as well as feedback and information sessions for parents.
• group excursions are organised for students to places such as Canberra and the Snowy Mountains
• annual sports day where students all meet at a central place to compete in athletics and games
• at the end of the year there is  presentation day and christmas function

All these functions and activities are designed to complement the virtual class room and give the students a better balanced learning experience.

Some Interesting Resouces on School of the Air:

Canarvon School of the Air

http://www.carnarvonsota.wa.edu.au/Information/Information%20Booklet%202006.pdf

Evantheia Schibsted, “Bringing the outback in: Distance Learning Down Under”

http://www.edutopia.org/bring-outback

 Russell, G. “Virtual Schools, A critical view”.

http://www.idea-group-ref.com/downloads/excerpts/1591401542E.pdf

Crump, S. and Goodyear, P.”Interactive distance Learning in Australia: Replacing Radio with Satellite Technology for “School of the Air”.

http://www.newcastle.edu.au/campus/ourimbah/professorcrump/InteractiveDistanceeLearninginAustralia.pdf

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