Posted by Jerry Jerome on
URL: https://nabble.aealearningonline.org/POST-2-Challenges-to-Using-Iowa-AEA-Online-Resources-tp184p351.html

The biggest challenge for me in implementing these tremendous resources is the fact that my students at the Keokuk Learning Center do not function within what would be considered a typical learning environment.  These students are in an alternative setting because they are either incapable of performing traditional educational requirements, or they simply have chosen not to.  They are in my classroom for one of two reasons:  they have exhausted all chances at the high school but want to earn a diploma, or they have continuous truancies but are legally still too young to drop out.  Those students who are not required by law to be at the LC are very task oriented.  There is a series of lessons and assignments that must be completed before credits are awarded.  That said, their learning is self paced and one-tracked.  There is no whole class instruction at the LC.  It would be possible to introduce the various resources provided by AEA to students, but to attempt and require them to explore and utilize such would be likely met with opposition.  I do believe that I many of the young people I encounter could benefit from and enjoy the SIRS website, as well as teen health and wellness, so I think I will start with those two sites and see if I can peek some interest.