We were recently sent this call for submissions from ISTE’s member magazine L&L. We thought we would share it with our members to see if they would like another opportunity to share their point of view in an even wider forum
L&L needs submissions for our Point/Counterpoint and Readers Respond departments! We are looking for arguments on both sides of the question “Should corporations run publicly funded online schools?”
E-learning advocates have long sang the praises of online schools, including access to broader course options, education for those who can’t attend face-to-face classes at all, the ability to better differentiate learning, and a more comfortable environment for shy students. As a result, according to a recent series of articles in the New York Times, corporations have jumped into the e-learning world with both feet, running online charter schools as for-profit businesses, despite the fact that they also get government funding. Some say the business world is more efficient than the public school system and welcome the resources that large corporations offer. But critics point to dismal results in student achievement and claim that students’ families and taxpayers are being taken advantage of. What do you think? Is corporate involvement in the online learning world a blessing or a curse?
Point/Counterpoint essays are relatively informal. For an example of what we’re looking for, check out the February Point/Counterpoint. We need one essay of approximately 500 words on each side of this issue, so consider either defending your argument passionately or playing the devil’s advocate, rather than arguing down the middle.
If you don’t have time to write an entire essay on this subject but still would like to weigh in, feel free to post a 25- to 50-word response on some aspect of this issue, and we may choose an excerpt to publish on the Readers Respond page. Please include your name, job title, city, state or province, and country.
To enter, post your essay on the discussion forum titled “Should corporations run publicly funded schools?” on L&L’s group page on the ISTE Community Ning. Please include some form of contact information if you do not regularly check your ISTE Community Ning message box.
If you’re not already a member of the ISTE Community Ning, you will be prompted to register. Don’t worry—it’s fast, easy, and free. Then go to the Groups page and click on the L&L logo to join our group. As a bonus, you can read our regular content, including updates on the magazine and discussion forums about hot ed tech issues.
If your Point/Counterpoint essay is selected, we’ll contact you for a high-resolution photo and a short (35-word) bio in addition to your 500-word essay. Thanks in advance for a stimulating discussion!