Innovating “Blend” for Equity: Testing Online Learning With Low-Income Youth and Teachers in California

• In Event: Technology Learning for All: Equity, Access, and Diversity Research

Abstract

In this paper, we report on a summer 2013 study, conducted in partnership with teachers, low-income students, and our university’s Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP). Our goal was to examine the experience of taking and teaching online college preparatory (A-G approved) courses developed by the University of California and implemented by EAOP. Working together with teachers and youth, we explored the necessary balance between online and face-to-face instruction; the supports both essential and optional for students to be successful; and the academic impact of participating in such extended learning opportunities for student participants’ college pathways. We learned to see as essential, for equity, teachers’ innovations in “blend”: their proactive educational combination of computer, human, and paper supports that facilitate student success.

Authors

• Mica Pollock, University of California - San Diego

• Susan S. Yonezawa, University of California - San Diego

• Hilary I Gay, University of California - San Diego

• Thomas Gilkison, University of California - San Diego

• Lilia Rodriguez

• Alan Garcia, University of California - San Diego

• Mohammad Qassimyar, University of California - San Diego