Hey Guys I apologize this is so late, and I hate to sound like a flight attendant but I’ve been experiencing some technical difficulties. So, to refresh all of your minds my travelogue is exploring online public school. In this post I have interviewed an employee named Heather at K12 which is one of the largest online public schools across the country. After listening to the interview continue to read on to see what a a day in the life of a K12 high schooler looks like.
ADDITIONALLY, Those of you who commented on my original post expressed your concerns with this program. After listening to the Pro’s and “Con’s” that Heather describes I’m curious if your mind is at all changed.
A Day in the Life – High School
Karina is in ninth grade. She has been a K¹² student since sixth grade.
Karina’s Day
8:30 a.m. Check e-mail
9:00 a.m. Algebra lesson
10:00 a.m. English lesson
11:30 a.m. Lunch
12:30 p.m. Earth Science lesson
1:30 p.m. Break
1:45 p.m. Attend English teacher’s office hours
2:00 p.m. World History lesson
3:30 p.m. Karate class
4:30 p.m. Free time, dinner
6:30 p.m. Check discussion board postings and responses
7:00 p.m. Spanish lesson
8:00 p.m. Free time for e-mail, etc.
7 Comments
First of all, I don’t know how you were able to record your phone interview, but in my head right now i’m thinking you did something really technologically advanced, so kudos (and if not, then I’m an idiot but i’m still impressed). Also i have to say a giggled a bit when she said most of our students are child actors.
After listening to what that woman had to say and looking at Karina’s schedule, I still don’t really agree with this. It seems to me that when kids go to school for 6 or 7 hours a day and come home and have homework they are probably learning more than someone who just does a bit of work periodically throughout the day (i.e. Karina has a spanish lesson at 7 pm?). I think maybe it’s more effective to go to school, learn the lessons, come home and practice those lessons a few hours later.
Also I think there is something to be said about mixing work and home. Yes I understand that homework is doing exactly that, but that’s only for a couple hours when most kids spend the bulk of their ‘work time’ at school. I mean think about how annoying and maybe even difficult it was as a kid to come home, be surrounded by a bunch of distractions, and have to do your homework? I guess the one positive aspect of this program I can really think of is the fact that it forces the students to be self-disciplined.
Intense! I just want to first off say kudos to you and your interview.
I just don’t know how accepting I am of this, you know? Karate lessons? Isn’t this an internet school? Are they getting webcam karate instruction?
If it’s merely through the internet, how can we make sure our children are definitely learning the things they need to learn? There’s no regulation, no moment of “let’s act out this scene in Hamlet.”
I think it’s a problem for those children who need other means of communication and learning tools (visual vs auditory or acting things out vs reading…)
Great job with the interview!
After listening to what Heather said, this online schooling seems even less tempting. My parents have always told me, and I think it’s a common belief, that public school is good because it makes you tough. The violence, the socialization- it’s all there for a reason. Without that, how are these kids going to survive after high school? It’s not the fine and dandy world their parents are trying to build for them. It seems like, from what Heather said, that a lot of parents would choose this option out of fear and overprotection.
I wonder how this woman can be so adamant about the benefits of online schooling. Many of the things she said about the student make sense: if a child is ill, or their parent is sick, if they have other daily commitments, etc. I really understand her reasoning about the benefits of learning from certified teachers. However, I did think her claim that social interaction is just as good within Internet public schools is laughable. She uses the excuse that regular public schools are bad influences on children as they are exposed to gang activity and negativity. Did she just pull out all the negative things that could go on in schools? What about the positive things: physical social interaction or a feeling of community? I think I am even more skeptical of this idea after hearing the interview, since it seems like the educator herself has become so deluded about the benefits of social interaction.
I completely agree…Heathers conviction that Online Public School is not only superior than actual public school but that it suits every individual and family in their own way is comical. In addition to Heathers interview I’d suggest you all check out sample lessons on their website for additional comic relief. http://www.k12.com/get_a_taste_of_k12/k12_lessons/
Have you thought about comparing this online school to other nontraditional schooling like Montessori schools? I can see how this could be useful for a super self-motivated kid to advance quickly, but it’s pretty difficult to get most kids interested in school.
The way that Heather backs it and finds no downsides sounds like she’s been brainwashed to automatically say “K12 is the best! Everyone should come here! It’s fabulous!”
What I can’t imagine is not learning in a classroom. Learning is much more than reading a book. I can learn every theory about [insert subject here] by going to the library and reading. But there’s an interactive component where you learn to formulate an argument, think on your feet, and you get to hear viewpoints that you never could have formulated yourself.