Human teachers are obsolete. Replace them all with computers. The most interesting learning I ever experienced was computer based. If the kid has a question or needs clarification, you could have one “teacher” a thousand miles away provide the info.
Do you think that would help the students in this story do better? Or would they just be looking up rap lyrics and cool tennis shoes?
If a student read 6 grades below grade level and didn't want to learn, would this work in that case?
I teach at a major university. Distance learning (buzzword for online classes) works well with adult learners who opt into the class. It doesn't work worth a darn with traditional 18 year-old college freshmen.
Motivation is my number one goal with that group. Only about 10% of that group are self motivated. If I wasn't there to check that the students were doing their work each day, more than half would flunk. Most are shocked that a they don't get an automatic B for just showing up. They are even more stunned when they do something and still receive an F.
Student: But I worked so hard on that.
Professor: I'm sorry, but the assignment was a break even analysis. You can't do that without numbers.
Student: But if I don't get a B I'll lose my school loans.
Or my personal favorite:
Student: I don't understand any of this.
Professor: Perhaps you aren't studying effectively and I can help. Can you show me the notes you took when you read the book?
Student: I don't take notes on the book.
Professor: OK. Can you show me the notes you took in class?
Student: I don't have any.