A new survey suggests that the high school drop out problem can be fixed. Most students don't drop out because they can't do the work. Nearly 90 percent had passing grades when they left school, according to the survey. Their major reason for opting out? The classes were too boring.

Would you listen to an order from an authority figure if you knew it was wrong?

 An article in the Cognitive Daily discusses how ABC News replicated a controversial experiment from 30 years ago about obedience to authority. Stanley Milgram's original study from the 1970's tricked unwitting paid study participants into believing that they had administered potentially deadly shocks at the bidding of an experimenter. 

The new study collaborates Milgram's results, but the larger question looms. Where do we draw the ethical line for studying psychological behaviors?

As we end another semester, here are some more kind words from a student...

Hey Mrs. Shigas,
I just wanted to tell you THANK YOU for everything! This was my very first time that I had ever taken an online course. And I really enjoyed it! I mean the subject was interesting, the work was fair and challenging, and I had a great instructor! You have made my first semester a blast! Thanks for everything!

As a teacher, it is rewarding when students take the time to let you know that they enjoyed your class. Here is a testimonial from one of my Psychology students this semester:

Dear Mrs. Shigas,

Thank you so much for everything you have done for me this semester. It's been great to have you as my online teacher. This is my first online class and you have made it a great experience. I really like that when I have a question, you are always fast to respond with an answer or how to resolve it. My confidence level is off the charts compared to when I started class just a few months ago. Even though the class in exclusively online I feel like you know more about me than most of my face to face classroom teachers. I am interested in registering to take another course with you next semester!

A virtual educational workshop in Second Life led by Bryan Setser, Executive Director of NCVPS. 

The State of Michigan actually requires students to take at least one online class before graduation. In a recent article in the Detroit Free Press, the online program is so popular that they are reconsidering a rule that students can only take two online classes per semester.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution wrote a recent article about Georgia's expanding online public school. The media will be watching test scores closely.

The program is so new that it is difficult to measure its effectiveness, but you can read how thrilled some of the students and their families are with the curriculum. The Georgia Virtual Academy has turned into one of the State's largest public schools.

What is NCVPS? Here is an overview of the North Carolina Virtual Public School/Learn and Earn Online Program.

A recent article in a Florida newspaper is touting the rising popularity of online courses. Research found student satisfaction with online courses is high because students consistently report this method of teaching accommodates their lifestyle.

In addition, most teachers report an online learning environment where students are active and faculty can become facilitators rather than information dispensers.

A common frustration among students and teachers participating in online courses is the communication delay created by e-mailing questions and answers. Teachers may take time to respond to questions, or their initial response may not completely answer the student's question.

I use a 24 hour rule. I will respond to any student email within 24 hours. It also helps to keep a regular schedule of office hours, so your students know when to expect responses.

Welcome to my Teacher's Blog.  The blog will contain my latest initiatives as a virtual school teacher and news in the subjects of Psychology and Sociology.