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Prompt: Is it Time to Abandon Traditional Schools? Our world becomes increasing...

Dec 18, 2023

Prompt: Is it Time to Abandon Traditional Schools? Our world becomes increasingly digital every day. From contacting a friend to making appointments to paying bills, the average person's day consists of countless online interactions. As people become more and more immersed in a digital world, the question of technology's role in education inevitably comes to the forefront. Because most of life's greatest details are now managed from behind a screen, some people wonder if being physically present in a school building with face-to-face interaction is still necessary. These individuals ask, "Should students attend a brick-and-mortar school, or could all students fulfill their educational requirements through online courses?" Opponents to this line of thought argue virtual education limits students' social skills and personal development. Given technology's prevalence in today's society, it is important to consider the future of education in a world increasingly dominated by computers and screens. Perspectives Read and carefully consider the following perspectives. Each one suggests a particular way of thinking about the possibility of replacing traditional schools with online learning. Perspective One Online learning is a great option for students who struggle in more traditional settings or have a uniquely busy schedule. For students who cannot stay engaged and focused during a normal school day, online learning offers a means to get an education without the enforced schedule and inflexibility of a brick-and-mortar institution. Perspective Two Online education does not offer immediate access to subject matter experts, encourage an exchange of ideas, or allow teachers to adapt lessons or explanations on the fly to address multiple learning styles. Removing these important interpersonal elements would hurt students' education. Perspective Three An Internet-dependent educational system would be easier to sustain than brick-and-mortar schools, would cost less because fewer teachers would be needed in each district, and would not require transportation costs to get students to a particular location. These savings could be funneled into numerous projects including education initiatives. Essay Task Write a unified, coherent essay in which you evaluate multiple perspectives on felon disenfranchisement in the United States. In your essay, be sure to: analyzeand evaluate the perspectives given stateand develop your own perspective on the issue explainthe relationship between your perspective and those given Your perspective may be in total agreement with any of those given, in partial agreement, or completely different. Whatever the case, support your ideas with logical analysis and specific, persuasive examples. Planning Guide Your work in the prewriting pages will not be scored. Use the space below to generate ideas and plan your essay. You might want to consider the following things as you think critically about the topic: Strengths and weaknesses of the three perspectives Whatinsights do they offer, and what points do they fail to consider? Howmight they be persuasive to other people, or why might they fail to be persuasive? Your own knowledge, experience, and values Whatis your perspective on this issue, and what are the strengths and weaknesses of your point of view? Whatevidence will you use to support your perspective in your essay?

Essay

The debate over the efficacy and necessity of traditional brick-and-mortar schools versus online education is a contemporary issue that reflects a long-standing American concern with the nature and purpose of education. The perspectives presented encapsulate the tension between innovation and tradition, a theme that has historical precedence in the United States. The thesis that emerges from this debate is that while online education offers certain advantages and should be integrated into the educational system, traditional schools remain essential for their role in fostering interpersonal skills, providing immediate access to educational support, and accommodating diverse learning styles. The broader historical context of this debate can be traced back to the Progressive Era, when education reformers like John Dewey advocated for a more interactive and student-centered approach to learning. This era saw the expansion of public education and a push for curricula that would prepare students not just for work, but for democratic citizenship. The current discussion about online versus traditional education echoes these earlier debates about the purpose of education and the best methods to deliver it. Perspective One highlights the flexibility and accessibility of online learning, which can be particularly beneficial for students with unique needs or circumstances. This perspective aligns with the historical trend of increasing educational access, such as the GI Bill's expansion of higher education after World War II or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1975. However, it fails to consider the importance of the social and civic functions of schools, which have historically been sites for socialization and enculturation. Perspective Two emphasizes the value of face-to-face interaction with educators and peers, which is crucial for immediate feedback and the development of critical thinking and communication skills. This perspective resonates with the historical understanding of education as a communal endeavor, as seen in the establishment of common schools in the 19th century, which aimed to create a shared American culture and prepare individuals for participation in public life. Perspective Three suggests that an online education system would be more sustainable and cost-effective, potentially allowing for a reallocation of resources to other educational initiatives. This perspective reflects a utilitarian approach to education, reminiscent of the efficiency-driven school consolidation movements of the early 20th century. However, it overlooks the potential for exacerbating educational inequalities, as seen in historical instances where resource allocation often favored affluent communities. In evaluating these perspectives, it is clear that a balanced approach that incorporates the strengths of both online and traditional education would be most beneficial. Online learning can supplement and enhance traditional education by providing additional resources and flexibility, but it cannot fully replace the social and developmental benefits of in-person schooling. The relationship between this balanced perspective and those given is one of partial agreement, recognizing the merits and limitations of each.

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