E-learning isn’t answer

As a secondary school educator, I am extremely concerned about the government’s changes to education, especially the plan to make online learning mandatory.

Education Minister Stephen Lecce says his vision includes “a new digital curriculum platform,” and argues there is “almost no life or career path our students are preparing for that will not involve the use of technology to some degree.”

While technology is certainly a crucial component in our students’ education, mandatory e-learning is not the right way to integrate technology.

E-learning should only be offered where it can benefit students, not mandated where it will hurt them.

My personal experience teaching e-learning for five years for the Greater Essex County District School Board tells me that mandatory e-learning would be detrimental to graduation rates, student self-esteem and accomplish nothing of the minister’s goal.

Mandatory online learning eliminates face-to-face interactions between students and educators.

Who is going to supervise students if they do not have the technology available at home to complete an e-learning course? Will there be more computers allotted to each school for students to complete their mandated courses?

Who is going to supervise students who do have the technology at home to complete these mandatory courses and ensure academic integrity?

These are questions that need to be answered before the government mandates e-learning for Ontario’s students.

Jocelyn Blair, Kingsville District High School