Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/55384
" I AM NOT A ROBOT" AN ONLINE TEACHER SPEAKS OUT WHEN THE CHINO CHAMPION published the editorial "Don't teachers count anymore?" — a newspaper piece critical of online learning, which referred to online teachers as "robots" — it offended Mary Hancock, an Association of Chino Teachers mem- ber and online teacher at the Alternative Education Center in Chino Valley Unified School District. Excerpts of her response in a follow-up editorial are below. Mary Hancock Yes, there are virtual classrooms at the Alternative Education Center; how- ever, they are far from empty. In each classroom can be found a highly educated and compassionate teacher working directly with students, mentoring them through any difficulties students may have with the curriculum and motivating them to be successful. Teachers spend long hours responding to their students' e-mails, calling parents and students, grad- ing assignments, and giving their students feedback on their work. Virtual teaching is far from robotic; it is about making connections. Virtual teachers find that they actually get to know their stu- dents far better than they did in a traditional classroom of 35; they give their students one-on-one instruction. Virtual learning is far from sterile — it is active and innovative. Virtual learning allows for all types of students to be success- ful, from a basic student to those who are advanced. If a certain lesson triggers a more in-depth question for the student, the les- son has several links to allow the student to actively explore and learn. If a student is having trouble understanding a concept, they can reread, review and redo the activities as many times as they need until they under- stand, or they send an e-mail to their teacher for more instruction. I am anything but a robot. I am a living, passionate and motivating teacher who loves inspiring my students to explore the possi- bilities that our virtual education can provide. Mary Hancock I AM ANYTHING BUT A ROBOT. I AM A LIVING, PASSIONATE AND MOTIVATING TEACHER WHO LOVES INSPIRING MY STUDENTS TO EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITIES THAT OUR VIRTUAL EDUCATION CAN PROVIDE. Mary Hancock take those courses online. If a school doesn't offer AP History, for example, or a certain class doesn't fit with a student's schedule, the student could take the course online at the district's expense. Depending on your viewpoint, online learning is the wave of the future — or a threat to the teaching profession and an isolating experience for students. While online learning may be controversial, it's here to stay. By 2019, half of all high school classes may be taught online, pre- dicts Harvard business professor Clayton M. Christensen. CTA believes that online learning has a place in the education system, but should never eliminate the need for real teachers in real classrooms. "People may see cyber schools as a viable solution to the economic downturn," com- ments CTA President Dean Vogel. "The danger is using online learning as an excuse to continue the underfunding of our schools. Any determination to move forward with online learning should be born out of pedagogic needs of our students — and not as a solution to the budget crisis." I prefer online because I can learn more and I can go faster. But not for all classes. It can be hard at times and I'm like, "Help me!" Sometimes you need a real teacher. Vincent Edwards, junior hoover high school, fresno 14 California Educator / February 2012 STUDENT'S VOICE