{"id":1319706,"date":"2020-04-29T23:16:01","date_gmt":"2020-04-30T05:16:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.postindependent.com\/stein-column-lessons-from-distance-learning\/"},"modified":"2020-04-29T23:16:01","modified_gmt":"2020-04-30T05:16:01","slug":"stein-column-lessons-from-distance-learning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kske\/local-news\/stein-column-lessons-from-distance-learning\/","title":{"rendered":"Stein column: Lessons from distance learning"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Our nation\u2019s schools have been involuntarily thrust into a massive experiment on distance learning, and I\u2019m pretty sure we already know the results. Robert Pondisci, a senior fellow at the Fordham Institute, said it best: \u201cNeither have we transformed ourselves into a nation of homeschoolers or \u2018unschoolers\u2019 any more than passengers thrown from a sinking ship into lifeboats can be said to have taken up rowing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Distance learning is the lifeboat in which we have taken refuge to help us survive a storm. It is not the vehicle designed to carry us efficiently or effectively where we want to go. While the research on online learning is remarkably slim, the consensus points to the conclusion that online learning is a better temporary fix than a permanent replacement for classroom learning.<\/p>\n

Educators fear, with good reason, that our least advantaged students are likely to be further disadvantaged by the nationwide shift to stay-at-home learning. A review of the best available studies found that online classes are less effective than in-person classes and least effective for students who are already below grade level. Looking at higher education where there is more research, another study found that students learn less when they take courses online, especially those who are least prepared. Putting the gap in concrete terms, taking a course in person versus online is the difference between learning enough to earn a B versus a C.<\/p>\n

As we navigate these stormy waters, we might wish for more research to guide the way. One new study is getting a lot of play among education researchers, perhaps because it\u2019s the only current research on the topic. Its title says it all: \u201cThe COVID-19 Slide.\u201d This study\u2019s mathematical models \u201cparallel many education leaders\u2019 fears: missing school for a prolonged period will likely have major impacts on student achievement come fall 2020.\u201d<\/p>\n

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