Virtual Schooling

Learning for a Better Tomorrow, Today:

The Inside Scoop on Online Education

K-12 online learning, or virtual schooling, is another option for education that is offered throughout our country.  Families can sign up students for individual courses or an entire educational experience, depending on their interests and motivations.

How it works

Students can either take virtual learning courses for 1 or 2 specific subjects that may not be offered at their schools, or they may take an entire courseload through the programs.

Teachers who run classrooms in virtual learning environments are typically still certified and must meet specific requirements in order to teach the class.

Students can learn through module-based programs, where they progress individually based on performance.  This is usually accompanied by a mentor teacher or paraprofessional who checks in with them on their progress and helps them to set goals and correct mistakes.

An alternative model is that students either login at the same time daily online and meet in an online classroom where they interact with fellow virtual learners and a teacher instructs them in a live format.  There are also online learning centers that some students attend where they come in on a routine basis similar to a school environment in order to access computers and instruction.

Who is taking it

Subject Specific:

Any student can take online learning courses based on personal preference and circumstance.  A student might also take only one or two classes if they cover a particular subject that they wish to pursue, but their school may not traditionally offer.

Far, Far Away:

It is also a great option for students in rural communities who may have difficulty getting to school every day.  Online learning can take place at the home, where students either log in at the same time every day, or in modules where they progress through assessments and work at their own pace.

School at Home:

Students might also pursue it as an alternative to home schooling, where the student can still get great quality instruction from state-certified instructors without having to go to a traditional classroom environment.  This is also useful for students with severe health ailments who may not be able to thrive in a traditional school environment.

Travel:

If students are involved in high-level competitive athletics or touring theatrical productions and the like, virtual learning may offer a great alternative to the typical 8-3 timeframe that some students can't meet due to the demands of their schedules.

Conclusion

As we move forward and our technological resources and access continue to improve, it is no surprise that online instruction continues to gain influence, acceptance, and importance in the educational realm.  Students lives are more busy than ever, and the need for individualized opportunities to learn will be the next major paradigm shift in education.  Whether students are able to attend school or not, the educator of the future will be expected to deliver lessons through technology that supports individualized learning and allows students to catch up when they miss, and to work at their own pace during class instruction.  The teacher will then take on the role of facilitator, and it is likely that expectations will change dramatically as to the amount of students and requirements of classrooms may someday evolve in order to address this shift.