Virtual Schooling: An Introduction Michael Barbour Assistant Professor Wayne State University

Describing Virtual Schooling supplemental programs – district-based, consortiums, state-wide – called virtual schools full-time programs – created under charter school legislation – called cyber schools

Origins of Virtual Schooling

Other Notable Items NM & AL also require online learning School districts in FL are required to offer online learning GA offers an online teaching endorsement Several universities now offer Graduate Certificates in Online Teaching – many even have K-12 focused tracks or courses

In the United States… Watson, Gemin, Ryan & Wicks (2009)

United States – The Numbers 40,000 to 50,000 enrollments (Clark, 2001) 328,000 students in online or two-way video courses (Setzer & Lewis, 2005) 139,000 students in online courses (Gray & Tucker, 2006) 700,000 students in online courses (Picciano & Seaman, 2007) >1,000,000 students in online courses (Picciano & Seaman, 2009)

Virtual Schooling Landscape Watson, Gemin, Ryan & Wicks (2009)

So What Does It Look Like? Supplemental or Virtual Schooling

Asynchronous Instruction

Synchronous Instruction

At School

Three Roles of Virtual School Teachers Virtual School Designer: Course Development – design instructional materials – works in team with teachers and a virtual school to construct the online course, etc. Virtual School Teacher: Pedagogy & Class Management – presents activities, manages pacing, rigor, etc. – interacts with students and their facilitators – undertakes assessment, grading, etc. Virtual School Site Facilitator: Mentoring & Advocating – local mentor and advocate for student(s) – proctors & records grades, etc. Davis (2007)

So What Does It Look Like? Full-Time or Cyber Schooling

At Home

Why Do It? Credit recovery – two highest enrolled K-12 online courses are rumored to be Algebra I & Algebra II Not offered in the school To get ahead or graduate early Dual enrollment opportunities To take an online course Required by the state

Where Is It Growing? Credit recovery Blended learning environments – not to be confused with hybrid environments Full-time programs – Particularly as the social conservative school choice advocates affect legislation related to charter schooling and cyber charter schooling in more states States that required online learning

Your Questions and Comments

Assistant Professor Wayne State University, USA