E-Learning Policy in Arizona District - Essay Example

It has been an issue of concern that there are some districts within United States that do not have policies that enhance teaching and learning. This paper will therefore look at a major concern in Arizona where policy does not exist. This paper will also explain in narrative format, the need for the policy and the information supporting the need. There will be further elaboration on the impact on district’s vision, student learning and the school. The paper will also illustrate a draft of the policy and any fiscal or personnel impact of the policy. (Fowler, 2008) Analysis of Arizona district shows that it lacks a policy that is concerned with e-learning in schools. E-learning means that learning takes place through the use of technology. In this case, computers are used to pass on information from teachers to students and vice versa. The internet is highly used in this learning strategy. This generally enables students to study even when they are far away from educational institutions. Current analysis of Arizona district shows that it does not have a policy that concerns e-learning. It is however very important to note that there is great need for the same. There are various reasons as to why a policy is needed in this area. One of the reasons is the fact that very few schools have incorporated this type of learning in their curriculum. (Fred and Allan 2006) There is need to have a policy that stipulates that e-learning be incorporated in schools. This will help enhance overall student performance. It is also quite clear that very many students have personal computers or laptops at home. They also have access to the internet on a twenty four hour basis. This shows that there is a very high potential for students enhancing their studies through learning. It has also been noted that ninety point two percent of students spend most of their time playing computer games and accessing pornographic sites. These have played a great role in eroding the moral standards of the youths in the community. There means that there is great need for a policy that concerns e-learning in schools so that students do not become idle and engage in illicit behaviour when at home. As earlier on illustrated, there is great need for an e-learning policy in Arizona district. The information supporting the need is the fact that a survey was carried out in March the year two thousand and eight that highly proves the point. This research was carried out in five elementary schools in the district. The results of the survey showed that many students were getting involved in illicit behaviours during their holidays or after school time. Sixty percent of those who were interviewed confessed of having online intimate friends who were within and outside the nation. They also said that ninety percent of their free time is spent on personal computers or laptops. (Howell, 2002) In the survey, information was also accrued from the student’s teachers. They asserted that they have seen the need of incorporating e-learning in their teaching strategies. They were only limited by the fact that there is no policy that states that they are free to do so. This was therefore a very big challenge to them. Eighty seven percent of the students’ parents consented that such a policy was needed. They asserted that most of the time they go to work leaving their sons and daughters in the houses. These juniors end up doing whatever they so wish including accessing pornographic sites. The lack of a policy in this area in Arizona district has had paramount negative impacts on the vision of the district. This district has a vision of enhancing student performance and minimising youth indulgence in illicit behaviours. The very fact that there has been no policy to guide teachers and school administrators on this issue has resulted in increased crime rates within the district. (Reynolds, 2007) It has been noted that some of the criminal gangs are easily accessing the youths via the internet by simply sending them attractive messages. This has played a great role in diverting the students’ minds from their studies. They tend to be more rude and irresponsible with their school work. Therefore the lack of this policy has adversely affected the vision of Arizona district. When such a policy is put in place within the district, the students’ overall performance will improve exponentially. This is considering the fact that they will learn more than they are doing and will take more time to review their studies. They will be in a position to get immediate answers from their tutors on areas that they don’t understand. The degree of youths that will be involved in bad behaviours will drastically reduce. This will positively impact the district’s vision. It is therefore quite evident that the lack of a policy in this area has adversely affected overall learning of students. This has also made very many schools not to perform as per expectations. The schools have also had many indiscipline cases among the students. (Howell, 2002) The draft of the policy is as follows; all teachers and administrators in Arizona districts need to incorporate e-learning in their teaching strategies. This includes the time when students are at home during holidays and after school hours. The e-learning should be student friendly and enhance teacher student relations. School administrators need to carry out evaluation of all e-learning activities carried out within their schools. They need to get feedbacks from the stakeholders involved with the policy. These are students, teachers and parents. (Fowler, 2008) This policy will definitely have positive impacts on the economy of the nation. The American government has been using a lot of money in trying to prevent youth crime. This policy will reduce criminal acts among youths meaning that government funds will be re-channelled to more productive activities. This will result in overall improvement of the American economy. This policy will also result in improved performance among students. These students will in the long be responsible citizens with businesses and jobs. The government will be able to get taxes hence boost the economy. The staff will also benefit in the sense that they will get incentives when students perform exceptionally. The teachers will therefore benefit as they will be in a position of getting promotions due to their exceptional work. (Fred and Allan 2006) In conclusion, it is quite evident that there are areas in Arizona district that need policies to direct the stakeholders therein. One of this is in relation to e-learning. There is great need for a policy in this area since it was noted that students are really misusing their free time, holidays and after school hours. The policy should state that e-learning has to be incorporated by stakeholders in Arizona district. This policy will definitely have positive impacts on overall students’ performance. (Fred and Allan 2006) There will also be positive impacts on the economy of the nation. This is because the students will in the long run have good grades and get better jobs and pay taxes to the nation. Funds that are usually used to educate youths on dangers of crime will be re-channelled to other economically productive investments. All these will work towards achieving the district’s vision. Read More