550- Week 6 Reflection

My students are gaining 21st century skills by . . .

My students are not gaining the 21st century skills that they should be. They have regular access to computers, but that's it. The DPI mandates that have been placed on the MPS district have really hindered efforts to integrate technology. In my school, there aren't enough computers for students to have any meaningful usage. The interactions are very task oriented, for example testing.

I understand the Virtual Schools Legislation in Wisconsin and am concerned/excited about . . .

I am excited to see how much virtual schools have gained credibility. I am concerned about the charter school movement in general, which applies to virtual schools. I have personally seen the effects on a district whose enrollment has been significantly impacted by charter and choice schools. Although, I do understand that there are certainly quality issues that have helped get MPS to where it is now.

My district involvement in online learning includes . . .

I tried to get in contact with someone who could give me information on our districts online activities. Unfortunately, this was a busy week and I was unable to get all of my questions answered. As I understand it thus far, MPS hosts 2 sites, one for students (SLC=Student Learning Community)and one for teachers (TLC=Teacher Learning Community). These sites seem to be mostly resource oriented.

During the module I was excited to learn about . . .

I was excited to learn about the increased interest and legitimacy of online learning. I am deeply disappointed in the Milwaukee Public School district for not making technology enough of a priority, especially in the online learning arena.