Criterion A: Presentation of the Issue.
Online schooling is not a brand new technology, but it is becoming more and more popular. It allows students to take classes, sometimes full courses, over the internet and not have to move anywhere (What is online). The internet is the IT system. All work is posted on the internet for the students to access. The student completes the work at home, or wherever they are, and then either emails it back or mails it back. Special teachers then examine the work, grade it, and post the grade. Sometimes, outside work may be required where the student spends some time at a real school or college. Some tests are required to be taken in person at certain centers. .
A social issue related to online schooling is that it could eventually lead to schools, textbooks, and teachers not being needed, or needed as much. This could lead to the loss of thousands of jobs and cost textbook manufacturers millions of dollars. An ethical issue raised by online schooling is the possibility of terrorists using it against the U.S. These fears are much stronger nowadays due to the fact that the September 11 terrorists were trained in American schools. Online schooling would make access to information much easier. Another ethical issue is cheating. While schools can monitor tests in the classroom, how are tests monitored at home or on the computer. Not everyone has very high morals. Another social issue related to online schooling is the lack of interaction between students. There is a debate among some educators that a certain human element is lost in online education (Bowler). Socializing is a crucial part of growing up and this may be lost in online schooling.
Criterion B: The IT Background of the Issue .
Online schooling is usually set up by a current school and is sometimes set up by an organization. Current schools often choose to offer online courses in order to broaden their curriculum.