What is the NSTA Position?

What is position of the National Science Teachers Association on distance learning and science education? You can read their position statement at:

http://www.nsta.org/about/positions/distancelearning.aspx

They note that "distance learning" is really nothing new, but the mediums in which distance learning can be accomplished has changed dramatically over the past few years, thanks to the infusion of technology into the schools and scientific institutions. The NSTA defines distance education by adopting the U.S. Department of Education's definition, which is " The application of telecommunications and electronic devices which enables students and learners to receive instruction that originates from some distant location. Typically, the learner is given the capacity to interact with the instructor or program directly and given the opportunity to meet with the instructor on a periodic basis."

This definition perfectly describes the virtual school I have been working with, and has been described in detail in previous postings of this blog.

What then is the position the NSTA has on distance learning in science education? They have 7 criteria, which are listed below. Does this virtual school and specifically its science classes meet these criteria? Look for evidences in italics.

INTERACTION: There must be continuous interaction between the teacher and learners, where the teacher continuously monitors and adjusts the learning environment. This would include feedback from the teacher, dialogue between teacher and learner, and dialogue between learners.

The virtual school teacher has frequent phone calls with each student for course discussions, tutoring, oral assessments, and other needs. The teacher also provides online feedback on every assignment submitted. There are forums where students can interact with one another while the teacher supervises.

FLEXIBILITY: Instructional design is flexible for individual students to accommodate for individual differences in learning.

The virtual school is completely designed with flexibility in mind, both in timing of course work and content of delivery and assessments.

MANIPULATIVE EXPERIENCES: Science education must be hands-on and minds-on, safe, and supervised.

The virtual middle school has students perform labs and activities at home with store-bought materials. Parents are required to supervise. The virtual high school has students perform labs and activities at home with school-supplied materials. Parents are required to supervise.

COMPETENCY: Teachers must be qualified and competent to teach specific subjects and grade levels.

Teachers at the virtual school are certified, many nationally certified, and many hold advanced degrees.

A VARIETY OF APPROPRIATE RESOURCES: Learning resources must be varied and appropriate, supplying learners with many supplemental resources that support distance learning.

The virtual school curriculum provides many links, videos, outside readings, and supplemental experiences for the learner.

APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY: Technology should be chosen and used for excellent science education. A combination of technologies is needed for teaching and learning within the class, and linking the class with the outside world.

The virtual school uses the Elluminate! to communicate with the students. Here, the teacher can talk with students, supply modules, assignments, and internet links. The students can upload assignments, and get feedback from the instructor.

EVALUATION: Both programs and student learning must be assessed in an ongoing fashion, to ensure the best possible education in science. Both summative and formative assessments should be used to guide continuous improvement of instruction.

The virtual school allows for instant feedback from the teacher during an online discussion. The students have opportunities to upload computer assignments to the teacher, and have the teacher grade them. The teacher conducts oral quizzes over the phone to insure academic integrity. The teacher uses the information gathered from the students to improve science instruction.

In my opinion, the virtual school meets all of the criteria set forth by the NSTA, and has done so in an exemplary fashion. What I would like to see improvement in for the future is the development of more home and online laboratory experiences, making certain that the science is taught in a hands-on and minds-on way.