BY MS. AMY VANWAGENEN AND MS.

ALEXANDRA FISS

What’s so GREAT about Virtual Schools?

What is a virtual school?

Teachers and students are in different locations

Coursework is accessed through websites and special software

Communication is through emails, discussion boards, and web chat rooms

Virtual schools, online courses mixed with in class courses, public and private virtual schools

What are the benefits?

They provide an opportunity for a flexible scheduleThey challenge students who would like to learn at

a faster pace than that of a typical classroomStudents receive more one-to-one contact with

their teacherCourses offered may not be available in their

schoolStudents choose to enroll, making them more

motivated to succeed

Won’t the kids miss out on the social aspects of a typical school?

One great option is a blended curriculum of courses, students benefit from online course while still attending a brick-and-mortar school

Online courses actually offer many opportunities for online discussions with their fellow students, they all have something in common and can form lasting friendships

Who are the students taking online courses?

Gifted and talented students who may not be challenged in a typical classroom

Students with physical disabilities benefit with adaptive and assistive devices

Students with learning disabilities that would benefit from having longer time to complete assignments, one-on-one attention, and written notes

Students looking for more variety of courses to further their education or get prepared to enter a university

Warning!

Online courses and virtual schools are not for every student

Students must be self motivated and have self discipline to guide themselves through the courses and keep up with their work

Students must possess technical skills to achieve in course and solve minor technical problems

What kind of support do students receive?

Many online programs offer student coaches who are professional adults in the brick-and-mortar school

These liaisons offer technical and academic support, including validating test taking procedures

Online instructors offer more one-on-one support to their students

What are the negatives?

Many problems are due to technology or installation

Dropout rates from courses are 10-20% higher than in class courses

Online courses are not always the most effective means to teach a subject

Students miss out on face-to-face communications such as voice tone, body language, facial expression

Is an online or virtual school right for your child?

Talk to your child and their teachers, ask some of these questions …

Do they have the motivation?

Can they manage their time efficiently?

Is their learning style compatible with online learning?

Does their schedule permit them to try an online course to see if it fits their individual needs?

Will you, as a parent, be able to support them and help motive them?

Resources

www.k12.com this site offers information on online public and private schools

www.netc.org/digitalbridges this site offers resources and information for parents, educators, and students