Face To Face Interaction

                I believe that school should be kept as face to face if it is possible. There are many situations that prevent students from physically coming to school. I believe that the face to face time increases stimulation and group cooperation. Students need to learn skills in professional interaction.

                The more time that is spent in the classroom the more the students will be able to work on social skills. Activities that involve blocks allows for communication and negotiation. If the class were online then the students would not be able to pass blocks and work on their communication skills. There are so many social/emotional skills that need to be built that without the personal interactions they may not be able to fully develop. Also what about the students who are doing the online classes because they feel like they were bullied in school, they are now even more alienated. These students will be less likely to form relationships and positive behavior skills.

                Professional interaction is very important. One of the pro’s that is stated for not having face to face interaction is that the students can learn more through search of the internet. One article even discussed that one person, the teacher, does not know everything so more information could be gained from working outside of the classroom. Is it just me or has that always been true and encouraged. Class is to discuss ideas and information and gain insight and instruction from the teacher. Then you can go home and do more research to discuss in class. These conversations in class lead to professional development skills and social interaction. The more opportunities students have to discuss and defend their views the better they will be able to communicate to other people.

                There are circumstances where I do feel that it is alright to have classes not face to face. For example a student in Texas goes to school with a virtual avatar. This is not direct face to face interaction, but the most is being made of a situation. The student is so sick and frail that he cannot go to class at the risk of getting sick. The need for social interaction, and he drives it around school with a remote at home. This shows how important social time is for students and that by blocking the face to face time, the development of kids is at risk. Also if a student is in a situation, like full time working college student, and needs to complete their degree there is a need for online classes.

                Overall I believe that if you are in K-12 school students should be required to be in class participating and building their skills. The more interactions people have the more social they can become. If circumstances are such that a student is unable to attend class then I believe having the avatar student is the best option. People who go into solitary do not do well because everyone needs interactions. I hope that schools do not turn to this way of communication in the k-12 education system.