How People Learn - Online Learning and the Benefit of Self Pacing for the Individual Learner

Authored By: Edward Jaracz

Presentation

Summary

This particular case study focuses on an individual experience with on-line learning. It is part of an alternative learning environment called the Career Academy that focuses on disadvantaged youth within the Greater Lowell area of MA. Students who are sent to the Career Academy come for various reasons; they range from expulsion and frequent truancy to suspensions and poor academics.

Each online course takes about 20hrs to complete. Many of the students are duel enrolled meaning that they are still part of their high school. Students know very early on that this is their last chance to earn a high school diploma and whether or not they receive one will be totally up to them. The average age of participants ranges between 18-22 but students as young as middle school can be admitted to the academy.