Middle School Virtual Classrooms
Junior Highs are Joining the Movement for Online Classrooms
High schools and colleges are using virtual classrooms for any number of subjects. Should junior high teachers give them a try?
With the tremendous push toward internet-based learning at the college level, the trickle down response has been tremendous. High schools are beginning to offer classes online in all manners of subjects, and many teachers are using a virtual classroom to supplement traditional learning models. Junior high virtual classrooms are the next logical step.
What is a Virtual Classroom?
A virtual classroom is essentially an online classroom. Teachers are able to manage a protected web community designed especially for their students. These classrooms contain functions such as chat rooms, discussion boards, email, online assignments and more. Homework can be assigned and submitted virtually. Writing assignments can be sent straight to the teacher from any computer in the school or home. Students can discuss articles or current events in real-time with more social protection than a traditional debate offers.
Online Classes in Junior High
Obviously middle school students need more structure than college or high school students, but virtual classrooms still can have a legitimate role to play in any subject area.
- Discussion Boards - Students in middle school often are reluctant to discuss items with peers for fear of shame or embarrassment. Social conditions are rough for junior high students. By using an online discussion board, students can be assigned anonymous numbers known only to the teacher and then discuss a topic freely without fear of repercussions – at least by fellow students.
- Email - States are now requiring language arts teachers to instruct students in correct email procedures and format, much as they have taught letter writing for years. Middle school language teachers may not even be aware of this newer requirement.
- Online Assignments - Posting assignments online helps students keep track of work and allows them to turn in the assignment instantly – no matter where they are. Most middle school students have computers at home, and when they finish an assignment, they can turn it in right at that moment and avoid the trouble of finding an excuse for losing it by the next day. Online assignments also provide an organized place for teachers to keep samples of student work.
Online classrooms will become more common and are already being used by junior high teachers across the country. Nicenet.org provides an online classroom free for teacher use for any educators interested in finding out more about the new technology.
