Module 3 - Why Is the Jury Still Out?
Making Sense of New Information
While the challenges to online learning are real, many believe the benefits to online learning outweigh the challenges. You will be part of many conversations with skeptics who will continually bring up challenges about online learning. Quickly recognizing those challenges and being prepared with persuasive facts and counterarguments will be of paramount importance in promoting your "Pajama" Brigade.
Talking Points
1. Skilled debaters don't know the answer to every question nor do they have a scipt to follow. Instead, they have a list of talking points - points they want to make regardless of the conversation or question. Have you ever listened to a presidential debate and been frustrated that the candidates don't seem to answer the questions? Well, in truth, they really aren't expected to literally answer the question. Their skill as a debater comes from their ability to take every question and respond to it in a way that let's them state one of their talking points. If you are to bring online learning to your school community, you will need a set of talking points.
2. Begin by creating a list of concerns and problems that others are likely to pose as challenges. All the articles in your information repository should help you understand what you are likely to hear. Each of these challenges has to be condensed to one key word or phrase so that they remain prominent in your mind and so that you can easily recognize them when they come up in conversation. Make a list of the 5 to 7 concerns or problems that are likely to be raised by others. Identify a word or phrase that will trigger the naysayer's argument.
3. Prepare yourself to combat the naysayer. Next to each word or phrase on your list, provide a rebuttal talking point that you would like to stress at every opportunity. Select any positive aspect of online learning from all that you have learned so far that you can spin concerns and problems into a strength.