Virtual Schools: Post 2

After completing this week's articles, I feel much more informed about virtual schools. Most of the information in my initial post was not necessarily inaccurate but did not fully encompass all the nuances and varieties of virtual schools. 

I was surprised to learn that virtual schools have their roots in the pre-internet technology (Computer Assisted Instruction), and I didn't realize that virtual schooling has been around essentially since the birth of the web. I was interested to discover that my school actually utilizes some of the Pearson materials named in the Keeping Pace Report which evolved from some of the earliest CAI programs. 

I was also surprised to learn that many online courses are actually completed by a student who does attend brick and mortar schools. I was under the impression it was online school or brick and mortar with no in between. This makes sense though as a way to offer a much wider variety of courses to students with varying abilities. 

I was also struck by the sheer variety of types of online schools. It seems like an overwhelming job to ensure state standards are being met with some many variations. I was particularly interested in the information in Barbour's article comparing the asynchronous and synchronous models. I once took a training course for a job that would be considered a synchronous model, and I absolutely hated it. To me, one of the benefits of online school is the flexibility of being able to work at any time at your own pace. 

I found the myth that online teachers have easy jobs to be absolutely ridiculous. I can't believe anyone would think that. I can't imagine the time it would take to prepare all the information I deliver to my students every day for presentation online. The amount of writing, lessons and feedback, must be enormous.

Virtual Schooling

As a K-12 educator, I'm embarrassed to say I know almost nothing about virtual schooling. In both my undergrad and graduate program, I have taken MANY online courses. I enjoy the flexibility to work at my own pace when it is convenient for me. I would imagine that for K-12 parents and students this is also the appeal. Due to my lack of knowledge, I will respond to the prompt questions with what I think virtual schools are like. 

What does it look like? / How is it done?

I assume there is an online platform, something like BlackBoard, where students can read content, complete practice activities, and complete assessments. I would hope there is also a feature to chat (text or video) with an actual teacher. I would also wager there is a great deal of variation in the platform between different virtual schools. 

Where is it done?

Much like my own online classes, I'm sure a lot of the work is done at home. I could see some brick and mortar schools having some virtual/distance learning classes to for specialized subjects or advanced courses. The great thing about an online class is that generally you can do it from anywhere. 

What kind of students take it? 

There are many reasons why students/parents might need an online school. Students who suffer from certain diseases or disabilities might find it more convenient to complete their education at home. Advanced students might benefit from a wider range of courses or the faster pace of an online school. Parents might enjoy the option for more supervision/control over their child's education. 

What courses are offered? 

I think that more courses are probably available online than in traditional schools. Since students can work independently or with non-local teachers, there are probably many more options to individualize education. However, more hands on classes, such as wood shop or auto shop, and physical education classes may be more difficult or impossible to conduct for a virtual school.