The benefits of e-learning in relation to 'at risk' studentsBill Gates, in his book The Road Ahead (1995), records his vision of the future of technology and what it will mean for people globally. He states;
the digital age will be life changing and the crossing of a technological threshold will change the way we buy, work, learn, and communicate with each other. It may have been hard to comprehend his predictions if you had read his book in 1995, however, a mear 13 years later and the internet or, as Mr Gates refers to it, the
information highway, is over flowing with seemingly infinite possibilities.
Wikipedia defines e-learning or electronic learning as
a type of education where the medium of instruction is computer technology. Corporations, schools and individuals globally are taking advantage of the reasonably new concept of online learning. Margaret Morabito reports;
many people are unaware of the long and distinguished history of distance education itself that is the root of current day Internet-based schooling (1997). In the past we have had the option of self paced learning using printed material posted out by a learning provider, for example TAFE Qld's
Open Learning service.
The Alice Springs School of the Air was established after Miss Adelaide Miethke, in 1944, suggested reaching children of the outback via two-way radio.
Every student has an individual learning style and learning pace. If we take a closer look at just one group of learners we can begin to unpack the extent of the benefits of e-learning. As an employee in the field of special education and a foster carer of young people with special needs, I have witnessed the frustrations and obstacles encountered in regard to education. Most of the young people who have spent time in my care have been classed by the education department as 'at risk' students. While Hixson (1993) defines the term as;
Students are placed 'at risk' when they experience a significant mismatch between their circumstances and needs, and the capacity or willingness of the school to accept, accommodate, and respond to them in a manner that supports and enables their maximum social, emotional, and intellectual growth and development, Education Queensland simply describes the term as
students who are at risk of underachieving or failing (1998)
. Alternate to the regular classroom learning environment schools now have the option of engaging their students in curriculum content via e-learning. Students are able to 'attend' class any time, anywhere. Classes are accessible 24hours a day and can be accessed at home or in other areas outside the classroom away from others. Educators recognise the need for students to take an active role in the learning process. When students take ownership of and become actively involved in their own learning they develop skills in strategic planning and higher order thinking. In addition to the obvious advantages of accessibility and flexibility, participation in classes via e-learning are free of bias and bullying, an issue for many students particularly those classified 'at risk'. Anonymity enables the student to feel a sense of comfort and freedom to express themselves without peer pressure. Students who are at risk at times engage in inappropriate behaviour at school leading to suspension. E-learning enables the student to continue lessons while at home. On-line chat rooms as a means of direct communication allow the student to (i) continue in group discussions and (ii) correspond with their instructors. Further, e-learning can be tailor made to individually suit a learners ability and learning style. "Regardless of his or her ability or disability, every student will be able to work at an individual pace", Bill Gates (p. 195) in regard to online learning.
One young man who was temporarily in my care had been in 27 foster care placements - he was only 14. Changing schools was also a common occurrence and as a result his grades suffered. He continually received internal and external suspension, struggled with authority and the boundaries placed upon him. Accessing his curriculum online would have been of benefit to this young man who, when on suspension would; fall further behind; feel more isolated; experience further failure and claim not to care. Educators need to develop a curriculum that provides for multiple ways of learning for a variety of learning styles, e-learning is an alternate form of education creating windows of opportunity even to students who are not fortunate enough to be attending the best schools or experiencing a stable supportive home life. Mr Gates believes, [online learning] will encourage a child to make the most of his or her native talents (p. 186).
The barriers of e-learning in relation to 'at risk' students...
Having looked at the benefits of e-learning in relation to 'at risk' students let us now have a look at some of the potential barriers or pitfalls. Obviously there is never one magic solution for students facing issues in regard to education. While e-learning is an alternate form of education delivery one must examine the disadvantages of this style of learning.
Firstly, time management skills and self motivation are an essential prerequisite. Students considered 'at risk' are termed as such because of their risk of failure to finish school successfully, therefore, online learning could be considered a 'risky' choice of education given the lack of guidance from a 'real life' teacher. An important element in ensuring any students success, is the constant feedback offered by educators and fellow students, interaction with other students could be lost if participation on 'discussion boards' or 'chat rooms' is minimal.
Social aspects of school are important to all, especially to those students who may have unstable home lives. Learning online can be quite isolating and students could experience a sense of disconnection to the 'real' world. Further, poor economic situations limiting access to up to date computers may mean the student may be technologically disadvantaged.
In addition to the barriers highlighted above is that of safety and the ethics of cyberspace (view blog regarding Cyber Safety and Ethics for Students-Education and the Information Highway, 2008).
To Conclude...
E-learning has both advantages and disadvantages, benefits and barriers, however, from reaching children in the outback to training staff globally, there are definitely endless possibilities of the indisputably flexible e-learning. Used wisely technology will (and is) taking us places. To quote Mr Gates again,
the information highway will lead to many destinations...the greatest benefits will come from the application of technology to education (p. 274-275).
