Jacqueline KochETE 370

Dr. Chrosniak

What is a virtual school?Employs online learning as a means of

educating studentsCan overlap with distance learning, including

correspondence courses and video learning Has a student population from across the

country and world Does not require a physical location or

building

How is the concept of a virtual school applied in the real world?

States often take the lead in providing state-run virtual schools.

States offer learning initiatives and provide tools and resources to school districts.

Virtual schools are sometimes affiliated with national educational management organizations.

Some districts run their own online programs and combine online courses with face-to-face meetings.

Students can take all courses online or select only a few.

How is a virtual school different from a typical high school?

Students are not physically present in a school building.

Students do their learning through a computer and submit assignments online and via e-mail.

Students communicate with other students and teachers online through discussion boards, e-mail, chat rooms and video conferencing.

Students may have no face-to-face interaction.

Virtual school statistics State virtual schools exist in 27 states. State virtual schools provided 320,000

course enrollments in 2008-09. The Florida Virtual School is the largest,

with more than 150,000 course enrollments in 2008-09.

More than one million K-12 students took an online course during the 2007-08 school year.

Pros for virtual schoolsStudents can learn anywhere at any time. Virtual schools can alleviate overcrowding in

populated school districts. Students who miss months of school due to

extended illnesses can take classes online. Students can take courses not offered by their

school from virtual schools anywhere in the country. Students and instructors improve their technology

literacy. Schools allow for self- and time-management, as

well as help build responsibility.

Pros for virtual schools Schools and districts can collaborate to best

serve all their students. Schools offer options for extremely talented

students who are busy with sports or other performances that require constant training (ex. elite gymnasts).

Students have more time to read and digest material presented by the teacher and other students.

Cons for virtual schools Less face-to-face interaction Hinders social development Unrealistic that future jobs will allow for

distance working May take funds from traditional public

schools May not follow an educational standards or

be regulated Eliminates campus life Lack of supervision

Cons for virtual schools Only available to those with ongoing access

to computers and the Internet May be unaffordable for some students and

families Not helpful for those who can’t navigate the

Internet or technology Not helpful for those attempting to learn

English because the language is not spoken aloud

My Informed Opinion*Virtual schools are a good way to supplement a

traditional education, but should not replace it. Students benefit from face-to-face interaction

with peers and teachers. Virtual courses should be used when a student’s

high school does not offer a course or in extreme situations when a student can’t attend school due to illness.

Students should attend a traditional high school to become accustomed to a structured environment like they will find in the workplace.

* - based on the research I’ve conducted

The Illinois Virtual School Provides students in grades 5-12 with online

courses taught by federally designated, highly-qualified teachers

Is a division of the Peoria County Regional Office of Education and is financially supported by the Illinois State Board of Education

Serves students from many districts, including the Chicago Public School District and the Tremont School District

Students enroll through their elementary or high school

IVS Statistics Employs 70 teachersOffers 131 different courses Includes a partnership of 10 Regional

Offices of Education, including Peoria, Knox and Tazewell Counties

Fall and spring courses cost $250 each; summer courses cost $225.

Uses the IVS Web site to instruct students and submit assignments

Clark County School District Virtual High School

Located in Las Vegas Began granting diplomas in 2004-05 Uses Blackboard and Centra to submit

assignments and communicate Provides teacher, facilitators, counselors and

support staff Credits transfer to a high school transcript,

if needed Is run independently of the state of Nevada,

which does not have a state-run initiative

ResourcesGemin, Butch, Ryan, Jennifer, Watson, John, and Wicks, Matthew. “Keeping Pace with K-12 Online Learning: A Annual Review of State-Level Policy and Practice.” Evergreen Education Group. (2009): 6-12. Web. 9 June 2010.

Illinois Virtual School. Illinois Virtual School. Web. 9 June 2010.

U.S. Department of Education. “Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning: A Meta- Analysis and Revier of Online Learning Studies.” U.S. Department of Education. (2009): xi- xiii. Web. 9 June 2010.

Virtual High School Volts. Clark County School District Virtual High School. Web. 9 June 2010.

LinksIllinois Virtual School

Keeping Pace Report

U.S. Department of Education Report

Clark County School District Virtual School