Central York Middle School introduced a year-long distance learning English Language Arts class for 8th graders that appealed to boys because it used computers. The online format met state standards, allowed flexibility, included live meetings, and mirrored a traditional classroom while giving 24/7 access to materials and motivating students. The article quotes that keeping schooling the same when society is changing is the most dangerous experiment we can conduct with our children.

1. Middle School English Language Arts: Online and Loving It! Cecily A. Mendie Title

2. What Central York Middle School incorporated a year long, DL (Distance Learning) ELA Class for Eight Graders!

3. It appealed to Predominantly Eight Grade Boys – primarily because of the COMPUTERS!!!!

4. This Class Format Meets State Standards. Allows for flexibility. Meets “Live.” Mirrors the components of a Traditional Classroom. Motivates. Gives 24/7 access to course materials.

5. We Need This "The most dangerous experiment we can conduct with our children is to keep schooling the same at a time when every other aspect of our society is dramatically changing" (qtd. in Shaw et al. 116).

6. Bibliography Rose, S. M. (2010). Middle School English Language Arts: Online and Loving It!. Kentucky English Bulletin , 59(2), 28-30. Retrieved from EBSCO host . Shaw, D. E., et al. (1998). Report to the President on the use of technology to strengthen K-12 education in the United States: Findings related to research and evaluation. Joumal of Science Education and Technology, 7(2), 115-126.