VIRTUAL

SCHOOLS & CLASSROOMS

QUESTION FOR THOUGHT:Is a progression toward virtual schools and

classrooms a positive for the future of education?

VIRTUAL SCHOOLSVirtual schools are institutions that teach

courses primarily though online methods, providing students with an innovative and

flexible way of receiving an education.

ARE VIRTUAL SCHOOLS PUBLIC OR PRIVATE?

PUBLIC

“Public virtual schools are governed by public entities such as public school districts,

independent, non-profit charter school boards, and state education agencies” (K12).

ACCOUNTABILITY

Source: K12

ISN’T ATTENDING A VIRTUAL SCHOOL THE SAME AS BEING HOMESCHOOLED?

NO

VIRTUAL SCHOOLS:

SOURCE: K12

ROLE OF THE TEACHER IN A VIRTUAL SETTING:

SOURCE: K12

TRUE OR FALSE:

Kids who are enrolled in virtual schools tend to be awkward in social situations.

FALSE“Teachers conduct monthly outings—social and academic—for students and their families, and students are involved in a variety of extracurricular activities. School-sponsored activities and events might include teachers workshops and parent workshops; community service projects; clubs; field trips; school academic events like spelling bees, science fairs, visits to historical sites, etc.”

FUNDING VIRTUAL SCHOOLS

SOURCE: K12

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4g2Dcr1rDL8

ADVANTAGES

DISADVANTAGES• Allows for students to be

more productive with their time

• Does not limit schools growth to geographic region• Do not have to worry

about overhead of standard schools

• More one on one interaction with students

• Emphasis on collaborative learning

• Software updates could potentially interfere with

instruction• Staying focused while in

a home environment• Expenses

• Lack of hands-on instruction

Would a virtual school be a good fit

for you?

QUESTION FOR THOUGHT:Is a progression toward virtual schools and

classrooms a positive for the future of education?

SOURCES

"Advantages of Schools Using Virtual Classrooms." Virtual Classroom Software. VirtualClassroomsSoftware.com, 7 Aug. 2013. Web. 21 Apr. 2014.

 Dell'Antonia, KJ. "Can Virtual Schools Really Replace Classrooms?" Motherlode.

The New York Times, 14 Nov. 2011. Web. 21 Apr. 2014. "Facts About K¹² Public Virtual Schools." K12. K12, Inc., n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2014. Layton, Lyndsey, and Emma Brown. "Virtual Schools Are Multiplying, but Some

Question Their Educational Value." Washington Post. The Washington Post, 28 Nov. 2011. Web. 21 Apr. 2014. Queen, Jacob. "The Disadvantages of Virtual School." EHow. Demand Media, 27

Jan. 2011. Web. 21 Apr. 2014.

Can Virtual Schools Really Replace Classrooms?KJ Dell’Antonia

The article focuses on the practice of virtual schooling and the practical nature with which it effectively educates children. While statistics show that more and

more children are choosing this alternative method of learning each year, the standardized test scores for virtual schoolers is lower than that of the average

public schooler. The article then describes how in order for virtual education to succeed, both the student and the parents of that student must have a desire to learn in this format. The students who chose to do virtual learning themselves

succeed. Those who were forced to enroll in this school of thought, did not succeed.

Virtual schools are multiplying, but some question their educational value.

Lyndsey Layton and Emma Brown

The article focuses on the validity of schooling children from in front of a computer screen. While case studies are given, the authors make the argument that virtual education is destined to be a failure because the regular school system is not where it should be. By incorporating virtual lessons, schools are taking a 21st century idea and trying to place it within a system that is still stuck in the 19 th century. As long as the schools are behind the curve, this great amount of technology will produce a struggle. Virtual education would take care of many problems, most dealing with money and the budget, but the students may not be receiving the best education in the process.