Week Nine Reflection

In this week's module we focused on Global Distance Learning Efforts.  We read about and discussed how distance learning is different in various countries around the world.  There was a lot of interesting information including how Brazil has really reached out in the past to educate over 30,000 rural teachers.  Sara had found that interesting and had made a connection with this even going so far as to say that she'd prefer native teachers coming in even if that put her out of a job.  We all want and need good teachers here in Alaska, so I think her job is safe. :)

Dan discussed the issue of change being difficult for many people.  I feel like that at times, especially after working so hard to get to know a system, only to have to learn another.  I'm sure that frustration is enough to anger people when huge changes are required in the school system such as the new (well not exactly new anymore) common core standards.  

Mariah was interested in India's online system.  There there's such a huge  economic and digital divide that online learning can really change so many lives.  She mentioned at the open university there students can register and take classes at a low fee, and work at a self-paced rate.  It was interesting learning about the different systems around the world this week.