Last updated on Aug 2, 2024

You're facing pushback from school administrators on online learning. How can you overcome their resistance?

Embracing the digital shift in education can be challenging, especially when encountering resistance from school administrators who may have reservations about online learning. To address their concerns, it's essential to understand the root of their hesitation and present compelling arguments for the benefits of digital learning. This involves showcasing how online education can complement traditional teaching methods, providing flexibility, and potentially enhancing the learning experience for students.

1 Understand Concerns

When you're facing pushback from school administrators on online learning, the first step to overcoming this resistance is to actively listen and understand their concerns. Administrators often worry about the effectiveness of online learning, the cost of implementing new technology, and the potential loss of the personal touch that traditional classrooms offer. To address these concerns, you need to empathize with their position and then provide reassurance by discussing how digital learning can be integrated effectively without compromising educational quality.

Add your perspective

Jeff Gillingham

Administrator at Western Christian Academy
Report contribution
There must be an understanding that anything outside the "norm" creates fear for any one in charge. The real question is, How do you help your admin overcome or buy into the change despite their concerns that find their roots in fear. 1. There must be enthusiasm for the new journey. 2. It must meet the needs of various learners that the traditional setting hinders. 3. Admins deal with data, validation. Provide any studies reflecting the value of online learning. 4. Be willing to have your idea challenged

Like

2 Highlight Benefits

Once you've listened to their concerns, it's time to highlight the benefits of online learning. Emphasize the flexibility it offers to students who may need to learn at their own pace or have scheduling conflicts. Explain how digital learning can provide a wealth of resources that enhance the educational experience, such as interactive modules, video lectures, and real-time feedback. Assure them that with the right approach, online learning can lead to improved student engagement and outcomes.

Add your perspective

Jeff Gillingham

Administrator at Western Christian Academy
Report contribution
There is a misunderstanding between online learning and distance learning. Online learning can seek to maintain the control through school directed learning, deceiving students and families. Distance learning contrasts this through the realization that the student is in the driver's seat bearing much of the responsibility for developed disciplines needed for success in education and life. Online learning is flexible, but distance learning is fluid, riding the waves of life. One of the greatest benefits is seeing a student thrive who takes responsibility for their own education, because the distractions of the traditional model are gone. Opportunity for students to graduate early. The highest benefit is seeing students learn how to learn.

Like

3 Showcase Success

Administrators may be more open to online learning if they see evidence of its success. Share examples of other institutions that have successfully integrated digital learning into their curriculum. Explain how these schools have seen improvements in student performance, satisfaction, and even attendance. Demonstrating tangible success stories can be a powerful way to alleviate concerns and show the potential of online education.

Add your perspective

4 Address Training

A significant hurdle in adopting online learning is ensuring that educators are prepared to use new technologies effectively. Address this by proposing comprehensive training programs for teachers and staff. Outline how these training sessions will cover not only the technical aspects of online platforms but also strategies for maintaining student engagement and managing virtual classrooms. By showing a commitment to professional development, you can help alleviate fears about the transition.

Add your perspective

5 Offer Solutions

Resistance often stems from a fear of the unknown, so offering clear, actionable solutions can help ease the transition to online learning. Discuss how you plan to phase in digital learning, starting with pilot programs or hybrid models that combine traditional and online instruction. Suggest ways to measure the effectiveness of online learning through student feedback and academic performance, providing administrators with a roadmap for success.

Add your perspective

Jeff Gillingham

Administrator at Western Christian Academy
Report contribution
Student learning styles must be acknowledged. Any solution that is not concerned with the way a student learns, is trying to achieve conformity rather than developing each student. 1. Student interest is key 2. Student participation becomes a catalyst 3. Search out students (families) that online learning may benefit due to medical issues, way of life, student behaviors, etc.

Like

6 Plan for Equity

Finally, address the important issue of equity in digital learning. School administrators are rightly concerned about all students having equal access to education. Present a plan that ensures every student has the necessary resources, such as loaner devices and internet access programs. Discuss how online learning can actually help bridge the gap for underserved communities by offering alternative avenues for education that may not be available locally.

Add your perspective

You're facing pushback from school administrators on online learning. How can you overcome their resistance?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Understand Concerns

2 Highlight Benefits

3 Showcase Success

4 Address Training

5 Offer Solutions

6 Plan for Equity

Digital Learning

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Digital Learning

More relevant reading

You're facing pushback from school administrators on online learning. How can you overcome their resistance?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Understand Concerns

2 Highlight Benefits

3 Showcase Success

4 Address Training

5 Offer Solutions

6 Plan for Equity

Digital Learning

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills