Improving Education through Technology

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by Senator Brent Hill

My compliments to Matthew King of Sugar-Salem High School who had the understanding and courage to challenge the misinformation surrounding the state’s education reform bills. His op-ed piece that appeared in Tuesday’s edition of this newspaper was insightful, honest and accurate.

As Matthew mentioned, one of the fallacies perpetuated by opponents of education reform is that computers will somehow replace teachers. In Matthew’s words, “This is absolutely false.” It’s like claiming that textbooks will replace teachers. They are tools for teachers to enhance the learning experience.

At the request of business organizations, university officials, and many educators, online courses were required by the original education reforms. Concerns were raised by the education community, however, and efforts to inform the public through correspondence and the media were insufficient to clear up misunderstandings. Consequently, the requirement for online classes was removed by the legislature. Instead, a task force will begin meeting this month, made up of educators, administrators, and other interested stakeholders, including Sugar-Salem Superintendent Alan Dunn. These people will examine the use of technology and make recommendations regarding how Idaho schools should utilize computers, online classes and other technology resources.

The task force will likely recommend online learning as part of the high school curriculum. Online courses unlock a whole new world of opportunities for students, particularly in rural areas. Classes otherwise unavailable in some schools will be accessible to students across the state. Those who have not taken an online class for a while would be amazed at the innovative format now used. Online courses are no longer a review of computer screens followed by multiple-choice questions. The online student generally participates with other classmates, interacting with a live instructor via the computer. The instructor communicates directly with the students, following up with emails, telephone calls or Skype. Students ask questions, make sidebar notations, and interact with other students using online discussion boards. The course curriculum—including textbooks, current readings, news reports, videos clips, etc.—is all online, instantly available by the click of a mouse.

Many of our universities offer high school students online courses that qualify for both college and high school credit. Students enrolled in online classes can easily graduate from high school with a full semester or two of university credits, giving them both an educational and financial incentive to continue their schooling. Brigham Young University-Idaho has recently been authorized to expand its Pathway Program, offering online courses to students around the world, including concurrent enrollment classes for high school students. The Idaho Digital Learning Academy provides high-quality online courses to students starting in the 7^th grade. Each virtual classroom has a real-time teacher and principal to assist the participants. Classes may qualify for university credit or simply supplement the local curriculum. For instance, when Glenn’s Ferry High School lost its Spanish teacher, the 14 students in the class were able to continue through an online course taught by a real Hispanic instructor. “Blended” classes are also available to assist the classroom teacher. The on-site teacher may teach students in a classroom utilizing online instructors for certain segments of the curriculum, thus expanding the capacity of the teacher.

So, if online courses are so great, why would they need to be a requirement for graduation? There are a couple of reasons: 1. Some educators feel intimidated by online classes, fearing they will replace the classroom teacher and, consequently, discourage students from taking courses online. 2. Almost all universities now require online courses for their students. Some university officials have expressed disappointment in high school graduates who do not have the experience of learning online. If our high schools are going to effectively prepare our young people for college, they must train them to successfully learn through the online environment.  

There are many creative and exciting features of Idaho’s education reforms. I invite you to learn about the possibilities. The Idaho Department of Education’s website (http://www.sde.idaho.gov/) contains some valuable information and, as always, I am anxious to answer any questions you have (bhill@senate.idaho.gov). Let us not lose sight that online learning opportunities are an increasingly important part of a world-class education that will prepare our students for a lifetime of success.