What does it look like?
I was very surprised about what I learned when reading/researching virtual schooling. Traditional schools have teachers and students learning in the classroom. Virtual schools use the internet as a classroom. Virtual schools can work in different ways. In some situation virtual schools provide supplemental courses and instructional materials for children that are home schooled.
Cyber school is a mixture between homeschooling and public schooling. Children work from their computer at their own pace. K-12 on-line learning has a partnership with other schools(charter schools). K-12 on-line learning is a virtual school for K-12 students.
How is it done?
Students basically learn from their computers. The lessons are on-line and students may work at their own pace. There is virtual teacher and a virtual classroom. This is the opportunity for teachers to interact with students and receive one-on-one attention and assistance.
Where is it done?
This type of schooling is done on a computer, at home or any place with computer access.
What kind of students take it?
Students that are home schooled use virtual schools.
What courses are offered?
Any course that is offered in the traditional school setting is offered in the virtual schools. I watched a video that gave a detailed explanation of virtual schools. In this video the student stated that most students take a bus to school but his bus was the internet. The lessons on-line gave him all that he needed to be a successful student. In addition to the lessons, he had a virtual classroom and the teacher helped him to become very successful. He also stated that he is now ready for college and very self-motivated.
Virtual schooling is not what I expected. I am pleasantly surprised. From what I read and watched the students seem to be very successful. Most importantly students are able to move at their own pace in some situations, which definitely helps with student achievement.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your comment regarding being surprised with the amount of student success reported. I would have thought general Ed students would not be as motivated out of the classroom when they aren't motivated in the classroom.
The amount of student interaction and participation, However, it does not surprise me as students are able to think about their comments prior to submission. Additionally, if a peer doesn't agree with a comment, their facial expressions do not show, thus the submitter doesn't perceive the response as rejection, but a difference of opinions.
This type of interaction is great for students with disabilities or ELL's because it give students plenty of "think time" that some Gen Ed teachers forget to give. This would likely build self confidence, which would probably increase student learning.
DeleteYour comment about what kind of students use virtual schooling was those that are home school, but did not the readings and videos show that even students in a brick and mortar school take classes on line that were not offered in their school?
ReplyDeleteI am not to surprise that the students enjoy taking online courses, anything on the computer and internet is interesting, at first. I wonder if that interest continues with the same student if it is repeated for months or years.
Barbara,
ReplyDeleteThat is a great point! Do students new to online courses enjoy it because it's new an exciting and will they get bored with it as they continue?
Hi Erika,
ReplyDeleteVirtual school was not what I expected either. I originally thought that it was schooling done on the computer at home. However, I learned that students can participate in virtual schooling at home, or even at school. Students can come into school buildings and take classes online.
My school doesn't participate in online learning. However, I am aware of other schools in my district that are taking advantage of this learning opportunity.
Erika
ReplyDeleteI too was pleasantly surprised at the success rate for students who participate in virtual schooling. I think it's a good alternative, especially sense the graduation rate is so low for traditional schools. Perhaps allowing people to have a virtual education, whether blending or completely virtual, will allow more students to graduate.
Some students may benefit from being away from some of the distractions in the traditional classroom. I know the the internet may open the doors to additional distractions, but the success rates are great. These programs could be game changers for many students.
ReplyDelete