Introduction
In the age of information, the demand for knowledge and education is growing. This creates a need for revision of the educational strategies currently employed is schools. External factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, make online learning a necessity. Hence, the paper discusses pros and cons of online learning and differential learning to propose a change of the educational system. The reform entails that online learning simplifies the implementation of differentiated learning and minimizes its negative aspects.
K-12 Online Learning
Online learning is reshaping the educational sector creating both new challenges and opportunities. Many K–12 students were abruptly forced to switch to an online learning program in place of attending school during the pandemic of 2020 (Arnesen et al., 2019). The social distancing rules that fall beyond the purview of education were a significant source of contention for online learning, not the technology or the teaching strategies. When K–12 students’ online learning experiences were examined, it was discovered that many of them enjoyed learning but missed interacting with their peers and teachers in person (Arnesen et al., 2019). Online learning has advantages and disadvantages, which are going to be discussed in the paper.
Benefits of K-12 Online Learning
Teachers in classrooms frequently supervise multiple pupils at once, leading to more uniform instruction for all. Similarly, students frequently study topics that don’t interest them without having the chance to find something within themselves that will engage and excite them. Our technology enables educators to design individualized learning pathways for each student. Infographics can aid visual learners in understanding the alliances that led to World War I, while audio learners may benefit more from listening to a podcast on the subject. Giving students the freedom to choose their courses fosters engagement by transforming them from passive learners to active participants in their education (Lokey-Vega et al., 2018). Additionally, it aids students in getting ready for their post-secondary goals, such as attending college or starting a job.
Disadvantages of the K-12 Online Learning
Giving children more say over their education also means that no one is watching their back to ensure they complete the assignment. Opponents of online education believe this is too much to expect of a child, given that social media and numerous other distractions are only a click away. This problem is addressed by our platform, which strives to make learning enjoyable. Live polls, films, and graphics can all be included by teachers in their lessons to increase student participation. Additionally, gamification components like live leaderboards give students the same immediate satisfaction as video games they may otherwise be playing. As a result, students frequently acquire time management abilities that they may use in academic and professional settings.
Differentiated Learning
Differentiation involves using various instructional methods to ensure that students can approach learning in many ways and still achieve the same or similar results. Differentiation is intended to foster creativity by assisting students in forging deeper connections, comprehending interconnections, and gaining a more intuitive understanding of subjects. The structure of the classroom itself may change as a result of differentiation. Depending on how they learn best, students may be divided into groups or given quiet areas to study alone if they prefer.
Advantages of Differentiated Learning
Differentiated learning is one of the most effective strategies for students, as children are more accountable for their education. In addition, it creates an environment where children of all abilities can perform to their best. Hence, the method effectively differentiates high-ability children and people with disabilities (Bishara, 2018). In addition, differentiated learning embraces diversity because it treats the kids as equals, and engagement in learning is generally higher.
Disadvantages of Differentiated Learning
One of the most significant disadvantages of this learning strategy is the increased costs associated with differentiated programs. As a result, the school or school district may need greater resources to implement the strategies that are best suited for their students. Besides, many schools lack the resources for faculty development necessary to adequately train their staff (Smale-Jacobse et al., 2019). Hence, implementing differentiated learning requires additional training and education from teachers (van Geel et al., 2019). Finally, teachers’ jobs will be much more demanding as they should develop several learning programs for the students in classes. Hence, differentiated learning gives teachers significantly less time to plan lessons, which may result in poor quality of teaching and increased rates of professional burnout.
Reform Idea
One possible reform that combines the advantages of online learning with differentiated learning can be reforming the way classes are formed. Teachers could provide tests that identify a set of characteristics and learning styles of students. Subsidizing college education and cutting the debts of graduates would also help raise the economic situation of many individuals once they leave school (Smale-Jacobse et al., 2019). As a result, children can be united in groups by their learning styles (van Geel et al., 2019). These groups will be supervised and taught in online classes with learning programs tailored to produce the best results for the given learning style and abilities.
Conclusion
Improving the K-12 education system would ensure that even individuals attending public schools receive quality education, narrowing the existing gap between public and private schools. They would be better placed to pursue large opportunities without the burden caused by college loans. Other possible solutions to the inequality problem are reducing the influence of financiers in politics, mentoring children from low-income households, and supporting vocational education. While eradicating inequality is virtually impossible, the proposed solutions would greatly improve the current situation. The government should proactively tackle the situation rather than promote the inaction fostered by political narratives.
References
Arnesen, K. T., Hveem, J., Short, C. R., West, R. E., & Barbour, M. K. (2019). K-12 online learning journal articles: Trends from two decades of scholarship. Distance Education, 40(1), 32-53. Web.
Bishara, S. (2018). Active and traditional teaching, self-image, and motivation in learning math among pupils with learning disabilities. Cogent Education, 5(1), 1436123. Web.
Lokey-Vega, A., JorrĂn-Abellán, I. M., & Pourreau, L. (2018). Theoretical perspectives in K-12 online learning. Handbook of research on K-12 online and blended learning, 65-90. Web.
Smale-Jacobse, A. E., Meijer, A., Helms-Lorenz, M., & Maulana, R. (2019). Differentiated instruction in secondary education: A systematic review of research evidence. Frontiers in psychology, 10, 2366. Web.
van Geel, M., Keuning, T., Frèrejean, J., Dolmans, D., van Merriënboer, J., & Visscher, A. J. (2019). Capturing the complexity of differentiated instruction. School Effectiveness and School Improvement, 30(1), 51-67. Web.