Moving Beyond Bricks and Mortar: Changing the Conversation on Online Education

Abstract

Online learning has changed education in many ways. This change was not mandated, but instead filled a need expressed by students. A problem with this shift toward online teaching is that it has happened randomly and irregularly within K-12 systems. Demands from students for online learning at both K-12 and higher education levels have not always been met with positive attitudes or proactive gestures. Recent calls for reform in teacher preparation neglected to mention the need for online teaching and learning preparation. However, in order for schools to maintain relevancy and to prepare students for the increasingly online environments of the world of work, new teachers and professors must be trained to teach in these radically different environments. This article discusses how educators can begin making the changes that are necessary to make this educational paradigm shift and move away from a strict bricks and mortar concept. (Contains 1 table.)