I know that virtual schooling can be an alternative to students who feel that they are more accelerated than current options available to them. It can also be used to supplement courses they are taking in addition to a face-to-face setting. Virtual School is also an option for students who prefer to learn at home(home schooling) for various reasons (such as athletic or professional commitments to allow for flex scheduling) academic, personal or health reasons (such as they are independent learners, their health prevents them from being in the classrooms). I also know that in some private schools, some students take online courses as an option in addition to their current course loads to double up or to seek other course options to learn with students around the world, but they will count toward a certain elective credit.
Virtual School has various looks. Some virtual schools have some face-to-face time with an actual teacher (via Skype or other means.) Some have online courses with chapters, broken down into lessons and sections, just like an actual classroom does in order to meet state requirements. Virtual Schooling can be done in the student's home. Some virtual schooling can be done in a classroom setting as well.
A variety of courses are offered (English, Math, History, Science, Reading, Vocabulary,College Prep,) as long as it meets the state minimum requirements. Some students at the high school level are most likely attempting to get into college, so they will most likely look at college requirements to see what courses they would need to get into certain colleges.
Hey Erica, Just read your post on virtual schooling and how you mentioned about students who may have a personal or health reason for virtual. I read about how virtual schooling is being looked at more closely by organizations that represent special education students. I know that there are some programs for special needs students, who may have physical needs. But now they are looking at virtual schooling to support students with language and reading disorders. This is all very interesting in a positive way.
ReplyDeleteVirtual schooling is moving in the right direction. A child may get sick and have to pull out of a physical classroom setting, but they can continue through this option or even connect through their own school district (if that option is available) and continue on with their school work and connect with their classmates.
DeleteSince programs are already available for special education students in the classroom, virtual schools just need to look at those options for students who may be in rural areas (or students who are in areas who are lacking special education programs.)