What she essentially says in the video is that now is the time for online learning. She discusses how the United States spends more money on education than all other countries except for one; however, we still have huge problems. We have teacher shortages, unqualified teachers, and more. So, what she suggests is offering online classes. Training teachers is also a big part of this plan, according to Patrick. Next, she talks about how online learning allows students and teachers to use time differently. For example, it gives both students and teachers more flexibility with their time. Students have to learn to be more responsible, have better time management, and more. She also states that, "...we are really starting to see that students taking online courses are more engaged...and are having much higher rates of success, in terms of not just finishing the courses but how well they learn and learning how to learn differently in this new modern age."
I agree with what Susan Patrick is saying in this video. I also think teachers should take a stand to help students learn to the best of their ability. In this day and age, technology is often the very key to better learning. Online classes can be very good for many students. Students can go at their own pace and have the opportunity for much more. One specific example Susan used that I enjoyed was the Georgia statistic. She talked about how, out of 400 high schools in Georgia, there were only 89 qualified physics teachers in the state. That one example is enough proof for me to believe that the United States needs a new way to allow all students a better learning experience. Online learning can do just that. As Ms. Patrick argued and discussed, online learning and the use of technology in a technology based generation is crucial in so many ways. I strongly believe that if the opportunities and resources are available, then we should never hold students back from this valuable resource.
Online learning, as Susan Patrick says, is a smart solution.
Here is the video, in case you want to watch it for yourself:
