Journal 1: " e-Learning Programs Come in All Shapes and Sizes"

Coyle, S., Jones, T., & Pickle, S.K. (2009). From Alaska to Arkansas, Districts are Experimenting with Online Learning to Solve Access Problems. Learning & Leading with Technology, 37(2), Retrieved September 9, 2009 from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/SeptemberOctoberNo2/e_Learning_Programs_Come_in_All_Shapes_a.htm

This article was a very interesting article. It viewed the implementation of technology into the k-12 curriculum and all the improvements that different school districts encountered due to the integration of technology.

In article 1, Coyle spoke about the use of technology in the YKSD school district in Alaska. Due to the vast area covered by this small school district, teachers and students weren't able to meet par as far as performance on both ends. However, due to the implementation of virtual classrooms, the students were able to meet more frequently with their instructors, which in turn allowed them to develop their performance in school. Accessibility in rural areas were made possibile and within the span of 2 years, the YKSD showed significant progress.

Article 2 showed similar results, but the technology program was used and a slightly different approach. Instead of incorporating virtual classrooms to cover vasts distances, the BCPS used technological enhanced classrooms for the convenience of the students. according to Jones, classes were offered online in different availabilities for students who couldn't make class due to schedule conflicts, or disavailability of a course due to an inefficient number of students in the classroom. It also provided students inBCPS the experience of online learning and implementation of lifeling learning in the online community.

Article 3, I thought, was probably most effectively incorporated tech program for students. According to Pickle, Not only were the students in the Arkansas Department of Education Distance Learning Center able to learn the wasy of the web and technology, they were able to use their tech tools to meet up with their teachers and experience hands on learning within their specific courses. This program was well balanced with face-to face classroom contact and online/technology sources. They were able to delve into the field their course dealt with and establish knowledge and background they needed to develop for certain careers.


These three articles portrayed the possibilities of a technologically enhanced school district and its rewards to the students and faculty. Implementing technology powers over distance and intriduces solutions to various problems. Most of all it creates better opportunities for all students and prepares them for engagement in the techonological age.

What are some issues preventing the integration of technology in various school districts?
The number one issue preventing the integration of technology in the school systems, in californina, would be the budget cuts. Obviously no schoold district can provide the funds of a technologically enhanced classroom at this point. As far as other capable schoold districts, the neccessesity of technology in the classroom is a point that hasn't been very well lit and/or addressed.

Would technology integration also benefit the children in grammar school as well?
Although many may perceive younger students as children without the capacity of learning the ways of technology, this is contradicted otherwise. Students at the ages of 8 to 10 years of age are already capable of using the internet for non- school related items such as facebook, myspace, youtube, gaming, and various blogsites. If children this young are able to work their way through the web through non-related school sites, what more the technology pending to be integrated within the school system that is also student friendly?