Article Review on The Use of Distance Learning and
E-learning
Online learning has become a successful trend and strategy
for students with learning disabilities to stay engaged with their studies.
Students with learning disabilities are choosing online learning experience
rather than the general classroom because of the flexibility and capabilities
of technology use. The authors discuss some of the reasons for dropouts among students
with disabilities to be as follows: they dislike school, high absenteeism,
course failure, discipline problems, grade retention, low self-esteem, and poor
academic support among other reasons. The authors discuss five factors that
affect school dropout rates, which are identified as the 5 Cs of Student Engagement Framework. Cavannagh, Repetto, Wayer, and
Spitler states the 5 Cs of Student Engagement Framework as "First,
students need to understand and learn how they
control their learning and behaviors. Second,
students need an engaging curriculum grounded in effective teaching strategies
to support their learning. Third, they need to be provided with a safe and
supportive climate in which to learn. Fourth, they need to be part of a caring
community that values them as people and learners. Fifth, students need to
understand the connection between what they are learning and the skills they
need outside the school setting" (Cavannagh, Repetto, Wayer, and Spitler, 2013). Control gives students the ability to be
in control of their learning and behaviors by being taught self-determination
skills and metacognitive learning/behavior strategies. An effective curriculum can
"increase academic time on task, support student learning, teach content,
employ varied student groupings, and scaffold learning, assisting students in
becoming independent learners"
(Cavannagh, Repetto, Wayer, and Spitler, 2013). Digital books are used in
online courses and can be used to support the individual needs of a
student with disabilities by providing a learning environment conducive for
their education. Climate in an online learning 
experience ensures that
every student needs are met by creating a safe learning environment in the home with the support of the staff and
parents. A caring community gives the students a sense of belonging and
security by being a part of a community that cares about them and their education.
Connection through effective instruction motivates students learning as well as
teach skills to use outside the learning environment to help transition them
into the real world. There has be a continuous connection between the student
and teacher to ensure that the student's individual
needs are met (Cavannagh, Repetto, Wayer, and Spitler, 2013). In
reflection of this article, the authors support online learning as a method to
keep students with learning disabilities engaged in their studies as well
decrease dropout rates. The authors believe the 5 Cs of Student Engagement
Framework is an excellent structure to focus on to build an effective online
course. The authors feel that being in control
of your learning and behaviors does teach self-determination skills as well as
motivation. The authors believe teachers should create an effective interesting curriculum that will
keep their students involved, engaged, and support the individual needs of the
student. The authors believe the home with the support of the staff and parents
is the safest climate in online learning. The authors believe being a part of a caring community that cares about the
students and their education gives the students a sense of belonging and security.
The authors believe connection is key to an effective learning environment by
creating that student-teacher relationship to ensure the student's individual
needs are met.
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