Jacqueline Koch ETE 370 Dr. Chrosniak

What is a virtual school? Employs online learning as a means of educating students Can 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 . Students communicate with other students and teachers online through discussion boards, , 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 The Florida Virtual School is the largest, with more than 150,000 course enrollments in More than one million K-12 students took an online course during the school year.

Pros for virtual schools Students 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 teachers Offers 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 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

Resources Gemin, 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): Web. 9 June Illinois Virtual School. Illinois Virtual School. Web. 9 June 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 Virtual High School Volts. Clark County School District Virtual High School. Web. 9 June 2010.

Links Illinois Virtual School Keeping Pace Report U.S. Department of Education Report Clark County School District Virtual School