Definition of Virtual School
Virtual schools are defined as educational facilities that are not a physical location, but rather are located on the Internet. The primary difference between a virtual school and a stand-alone brick and mortar school is the latter's physical interactions among teachers, staff and students. Virtual schools offer programs and curriculum for all grade levels.
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Benefits
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Because a virtual school is located online, it never closes. Therefore, students and parents are able to work at their own pace throughout the day. Academic policies, rules, regulations, schedules, curricula, syllabi, among other components, are always available; they are linked to the virtual school's website for easy reference to avoid confusion and help keep everyone on task. Students' work is posted directly online to their virtual classroom. Not only does this help provide proof to parents as to its completion and when it was turned in, but it also allows for quicker grading by teachers. Parents are able to be actively involved in their child's education by having access to their completed work, grades, assignments, announcements, news, calendars and other pertinent information at all times.
Drawbacks
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Just as important as with the pros, the cons of this system must be carefully weighed and understood by both parents and students. If students are working with a study group or partner, it is more difficult to communicate in order to ensure they are keeping up with their portion of their assignments. Slow Internet connections make downloading or viewing class materials, such as diagrams, charts and videos, time consuming and difficult. In the case of chat room participation, those who can type faster tend to monopolize the conversation. If students are located in different time zones, arranging schedules for chat room or study group participation is difficult and sometimes overwhelming.
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History
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The mid-1990s saw the birth of Internet education. Prior to that, educational efforts were made through radio, television and mail. In 1997, the state of Florida launched the first public Internet-based high school available to all Florida residents. There are currently 24 states that have launched virtual schools. However, the National Education Technology Plan was created by the U.S. Department of Education as a means to provide the ability for all states to create and build up a successful virtual school system for their residents.
Significance
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Parents and students find significance in the virtual school system in that accelerated learners are able to set their own learning pace so they don't bore as quickly. Conversely, slower learners who need more time than would be allowed or available in a traditional classroom setting are also accommodated in the same manner. In the case of students who have been victims of bullying, virtual schools are a viable option. As well, for children who are unable to leave their homes for medical reasons, they are able to meet their educational goals and requirements without falling behind. This option is also appropriate for students who have fallen behind in their studies for one reason or another and need to catch up.
Misconceptions
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Despite the extensive information readily available on virtual schooling, misconceptions continue to circulate. Some believe students who attend virtual schools lose their ability to engage in social interactions and build social skills. Others believe students in virtual schools are unable to go to college or, if they choose to start attending public school, their credits will not transfer over. Some believe the curriculum is not as challenging as it would be in a typical classroom setting, and others believe only problem children should use the virtual school system. There is also the belief that students do not get enough physical activity, and that they are not able to participate in extracurricular activities. None of these misconceptions are true (see References and Resources).
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References
Resources
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