I am no expert on online learning. Before the pandemic and social distancing, I was about as old school a teacher as one could be. True, I required students to type essays in MLA format and even used a PPT to teach them proper formatting on Microsoft Word. But that\u2019s about it. My main technologies in the classroom were whiteboard, marker, books, pen and paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If that weren\u2019t enough, I have criticized and countenanced criticism of online classes and courses, including those prominent classical education ones. Years ago, when my former head of school told me his grand plan for launching an online education platform to expand the reach of our classical Christian school, I argued against it and effectively buried it in the dust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But times have changed\u2026. And I found myself several weeks ago developing an online learning plan with my colleagues that would aim to preserve our educational philosophy and methods during mandated social distancing. In a way, I had been prepared for this moment through using online communications tools, like Zoom meetings, more than ever before in the last couple years. I had enough experience and understanding that, when the need hit in early March, I knew exactly what I thought we should do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And so, whether my luddite past or my tech-savvy present appeals to you, perhaps you will be intrigued to hear my thoughts on the benefits and the drawbacks of online learning. Parents<\/a>, teachers and school leaders need to think through the transformations that are involved in an online education. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As Marshall McLuhan famously quipped, <\/p>\n\n\n\n “The medium is the message.” <\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n How is the educational experience being transformed by the online platforms we are using during social distancing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Like what you’re reading? Download<\/strong> your personal copy to read and share with others.<\/p>\n\n\n