Interview questions, answers, analysis, and more questions

Curiosity questions:

What was the biggest hurdle in transitioning from a Traditional model to a Distributed Learning model?

The biggest hurdles in transitioning from a Traditional classroom environment are the organizational challenges that are created with the flexibility that SIDES provides. Most SIDES programs have students working at different places in different courses and at different rates. Keeping track of everyone and addressing concerns when they arise is one of the most challenging aspects of the DL model.

What changes / challenges have you faced in respect to your pedagogical practice in the last few years with the implementation of Bill 36 and BC’s new learning plan?

Despite my initial reaction to be skeptical the current government's policies in regards to education, I do believe that more flexibility in the education field is positive. This bill includes many sections, but the idea that students and families can create educational plans that work best for them is difficult to argue with.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to teach Distributed Learning?

The physical disconnect between teachers and students can sometimes be a difficult barrier to overcome - connect with students often, and use whichever medium you can: phone, email, text, vclass, grandparents!

Big ideas questions:

Could you see SIDES teachers becoming re-integrated into more traditional school settings, like another type of integrated support teacher?

Instead of the DL model of education being 're-integrated' into the traditional approach, I already see evidence of the traditional model evolving to look more like DL.

How do you think DL instruction could work for a Middle School student? For an elementary student?

DL programs for younger students require a responsible home-facilitator to be most effective.

Do you think BC’s current funding model, allowing students to pick and choose which courses to take online, is helpful or hurtful to DL practice?

I think the most important factor to consider when evaluating BC's current funding model is whether is is helpful or hurtful to students and their learning. I have witnessed students flourish in the DL environment and believe that it can be an ideal way to learn for some students. Traditional models of education provide ideal ways to learn for some students. It seems reasonable to have a funding system that allows for students to customize their learning path and create a flexible plan that works for them.

Initially, I thought that the biggest challenge in moving from a traditional model to a Dl model would be the lack of presence within a physical classroom, or, to put it another way, not being “in touch” with your students. I relish hearing students laugh at my jokes, or seeing them really “get it”, or not, in which case, I know instantly that I need to explain it another way.
However, I also understand the point of view of Salman Khan, who said that [people], “prefer the digital version of me to the real me”. His students can fast forward, or re-watch his video if they need to without having to feel embarrassed, self-conscious, or feel like they are slowing the rest of the class down.
It is within this mindset that I approach David Evans’ responses to my DL questionnaire. When asked what the biggest hurdle in moving from a traditional to a DL approach, I was quite surprised that David didn’t mention a lack of presence at all, rather, he felt that it was the organizational challenge of helping students that are each at a different spot to the other.
I must admit that this challenge had not even crossed my mind. How would I be able to help one student with, for example, Algebra, and the next with fractions, and the next with Canadian Government, and the next with…. It would be challenging indeed!

I suppose the other surprising answer that I receive was how often Dl instructors have mentioned the phone as a method of communication. To be honest, when I have to phone a parent about a student I usually break into a cold sweat. Well, not really, but it is not exactly one of my favorite things.
It is curious, once again, that both David Evans, and Jennifer, our instructor, have mentioned that the phone is a preferred mention of communication. I actually thought of it as a bit too antiquated for or so called digital age.

I get the impression that David really believes in what he does, as a method of providing choice in a student’s educational path, which is refreshing. I wonder if it is the future though, I wonder how many would actually choose Dl over brick and mortar. What is lost in this method of education? What is gained?