Virtual+Schools

I posted a brief comment on each of the three Voice Thread slides, indicating that I would post a summary of the discussion here on the Wiki for easy access and readability.
 * Virtual Schooling Voice Thread Discussion Summary**

Upon reflecting on using the Voice Thread application, I realized that it probably wasn't the best tool to use for the Virtual Schools discussion because it doesn't allow for a true threaded discussion. Rather it's more of a tool to use for posting static comments. That said, I do think it served its purpose of introducing you to another Web 2.0 tool in the context of this course. And, if you took the time to read or listen to each others' posts I think you will find that collectively you all shared some interesting perspectives.

Below you will find a summary of each slide.


 * Examples of how you discovered virtual schools effectively deliver instruction:**
 * Learning is unscheduled. Students can access and interact with materials whenever they wish, without missing something.”
 * Lesson checklists
 * Flexible courses including choice of assignments allows the learners to follow a sequence in their learning and have control over specific activities they wish to complete
 * Activities and lessons are balanced and varied to keep students interested and engaged
 * Allows teacher to gauge comprehension in novel ways and adjust the course delivery and/ or repetition if necessary.
 * Instructor guides learning but student is accountable.
 * Assessments auto scored but can be reset to re-take with instructor providing final review and feedback
 * Content delivered through a variety of sources
 * Activities are designed so that students are engaged in activities and collaboration; numerous opportunities to use educational technology tools
 * Focus on organization and time management skills
 * Parental access; ability to interact with teachers and closely monitor teacher feedback and grades.
 * Emphasis on student-teacher communication


 * Consider what can educators learn from these strategies and how can we integrate them into the more traditional K-12 classroom.**


 * Impact of various e-learning systems (ePortfolios, content management systems learning management system) on traditional teaching and learning.** Your responses clearly indicate that you collectively think that virtual learning environments and other eLearning systems have the potential to significantly impact teaching and learning in both the near and distant future.


 * These kinds of systems are the future of learning.
 * Material can be covered more in depth, rather than rush through topics to meet state mandates; results in deeper understanding and increased student achievement
 * Offer the ability to “professionalize” learning
 * Increased flexibility, greater opportunities for communication and alternative means for providing feedback
 * Education can be more streamlined; after getting over the “training” hurdle, schools will see an increase productivity of teaching and administrative staff
 * Capitalize on the using the Internet as a natural medium for finding information and resources
 * Lessons an become more purposeful and engaging
 * Help to ensure quality control requirements are met by providing a standard vehicle for data collection.
 * Traditional education will become more of a hybrid approach to learning; schools can provide students access to a wide variety of opportunities
 * Teachers will not become obsolete, but may need to adjust pedagogy to be more facilitators of learnig
 * Offer students the ability to work at their own pace and time, increases the amount of energy a student may put into a tas
 * Student learning will become more self-directed with teachers guiding instruction, rather than “delivering” instruction
 * Improve the transparency and accountability of all stakeholders
 * More focus on independent work; home connections become more prevalent
 * Greater emphasis on exchange and dissemination of information
 * Increased interactions and communication between student-teacher-parents


 * Final Comments** (last slide)

There seemed to be some general consensus that there is definitely a place in education for virtual schooling, although it is not for everyone. Many commented that those that struggle with organization, time management or lack self-direction may not be successful in a fully online virtual school, and that perhaps it’s better suited for those students with special needs, or unique circumstances.

But Tom brought up a good point noting that there are many students who struggle with organization and time management in a traditional school setting, and their teachers provide those students with strategies that will help them to succeed. Is it so different in a virtual environment? Another area of genuine concern -- despite the ability to collaborate online, use video conferencing, text, chat and good old fashioned phone calls -- was that there is a lack f2f social interaction that many find so very important. But I think again, Tom’s point here is a good one. Are our apprehensions more a reflection of ourselves because many of us grew up in a non-digital era? For now, however, striking a balance is what seems to be key – a hybrid approach that allows traditional schools to offer virtual schooling (or elearning options) through advanced placement classes, remedial courses or other specialized classes that a particular school or district is not in a position to offer. And, continuing to offer virtual schools for those students who are not necessarily successful in a traditional K-12 environment or have other special needs or circumstances serves a good purpose.

I share your concerns about virtual schools, but also see their value and benefit. As as a parent, however, I can't imagine my own 2nd grade daughter in a virtual school setting. The hybrid approach perhaps maybe when she's older and needs to supplement her education with courses not offered by her school?

I can’t help but wonder however, what the educational landscape will look like ten years from now, 2021, which oddly enough will be the year my own daughter graduates from high school. Given what we have seen happen with elearning and virtual schools in just the past five years, growing at an exponential rate, will we eventually see a new definition of a “traditional” school emerge to include all of these components and characteristics we’ve been discussing?