FETC Virtual Conference

Right NOW I'm attending the FETC Virtual Conference. It's entirely online--including speakers, presentations, communication with other participants, exhibits and even prizes! How cool is that?


I'm listening to Dr. Steven L. Paine – State Superintendent – West Virginia Department of Education. He's talking about what they are doing for teachers, for students and with technology to improve outcomes in education. He first talked about how teachers are VALUED in Finland, Singapore, Korea and China. He's also talking about building a "back porch" for teachers--where they can collaborate, share, plan, work and learn together online. He believes teachers should be better trained, more respected, and better paid....and that we need better teachers! I can't disagree! Did you know in Finland, only 1 in 10 trained teachers are actually selected to work in school classrooms? They only take the cream of the crop!

I like him. He thinks that retirees (like me!) have something to offer! Paine also thinks we'll be looking at more online learning for both students and teachers and much hybrid instruction as well. Aren't you glad you took this course online? And you were introduced to FLVS? Online learning and teaching may indeed be part of your future!

See the program here. I'm hoping that the presentations will be available later for you (and me) to view and hear later, too.

Back to my learning....!

New Research on Virtual Schools

Several research studies by Florida professors and others indicate: "Online classes may be a relatively young instructional practice for K-12 schools, but experts already generally agree on one point: Research shows that virtual schooling can be as good as, or better than, classes taught in person in brick-and-mortar schools."

Read more in this Education Week article (outlined in the overview)...then talk with the experts from Florida Virtual Schools next week. One teacher will be online each evening, Monday through Thursday (April 6-9)@ 7pm to answer your questions. Who knows? You may become a virtual teacher!

Details about the chat and how to prepare are in the class wiki. Deadline for next week's assignment has been extended to Friday, 4/10 at 11:55 p.m. to allow you to participate and get credit (or extra credit). See your course mail and Instructor Updates discussion for details.