Even online class needs a teacher

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Mar 13, 2012

~~<p>The state Department of Education's decision to expand its offerings of online courses is a welcome one, long overdue and signifying a determination to overcome unevenness in access to highly qualified teachers, one of the problems diminishing the quality of public school education.</p>
<p>The best way to develop Hawaii's virtual classroom is not entirely clear, however. An educational system that achieves a good balance of remotely accessible classroom materials and the in-person intervention of a teacher is still a work in progress, and Hawaii educators need to proceed carefully to get it right.</p>
~~

The state Department of Education's decision to expand its offerings of online courses is a welcome one, long overdue and signifying a determination to overcome unevenness in access to highly qualified teachers, one of the problems diminishing the quality of public school education.

The best way to develop Hawaii's virtual classroom is not entirely clear, however. An educational system that achieves a good balance of remotely accessible classroom materials and the in-person intervention of a teacher is still a work in progress, and Hawaii educators need to proceed carefully to get it right. Login for more...