Universidad FASTA

Licenciatura en Inglés

English for Specific Purposes

DUARTE, ELBA ESTELA LUCRECIA

Essay

Online learning at secondary level.

We live in a world in which the new normal in education is the increasing use of online
learning tools. All around the world, digital learning has emerged as a necessary resource, not only
for students, but also for schools. There is some evidence that online learning has advantages and
positive effects on students at the secondary level.
A study in the U.S.A. examined the role that online learning played in improving the quality and
experiences of students in American K-12 schools especially at the secondary level “trying to bring
some understanding to the phenomenon” (Picciani and Seaman, 2010). The study showed the
significance of online learning in meeting a variety of students’ needs, such as reduction of
schedule conflicts, preparation for 21st century career skills, and building linkages with colleges,
among others. Studies in 2009 completed since 2004 compared students’ outcomes in online,
blended and face-to-face studies and found out that a combination of online and face-to-face
instruction “had better outcomes than pure face-to-face or online instruction” (Picciano and
Seamen, 2010). Another example of this study is the case of rural schools that are in the vanguard
in offering online and blended learning programs to their students. According to the comments
expressed by rural school administrators, online options were more attractive for students, and it
is an important experience for them “as they prepare for college or future education that would
require internet or online learning” (Picciano and Seamen, 2010).
Furthermore, online schools in Australia began in 1951 as the “School of the Air” using two-
way radio to deliver lessons to students in the Outback. The concept evolved into today’s
“distance education” and since 2000 has “increasingly used digital technologies such as e-mails,
webinars, screen casting, live chat, and video recording” (Jeremy Kwok, 2021). Teachers use a
number of tools such as videos, PDFs, podcasts, and online interaction resources. Students can
attend classes from any location. They simply log in, attend online lectures and watch video
lessons, which they can pause and replay until they understand the concepts. Students are able to
learn at their own pace and engage with their peers through online discussion forums.
Finally, creating effective online learning courses requires knowledge, time, experience, talent,
and commitment. It is generally understood and accepted that nothing can replace human
contact, since a virtual environment is just not human. We conclude that online learning is a
challenge for teachers and students.

Bibliography
- Picciano, A ; Seaman, J. C, Class Connections: High School Reform and the role of Online Learning,
2010.
-Jeremy Kwok, Australian Christian College, 2021 https://www.acc.edu.au/blog/everything-you-
need-to-know-about-online-school/