Distance Education and Virtual Schools

1. Identify and briefly discuss at least 5 pros and 5 cons of having virtual schools.
Pros
o Flexible curriculum that is based on how children’s minds work.
o No Tuition Fees are involved in WAVU
o The K-8 program is self-paced and flexible within the parameters specified by state law.
o Students are invited to participate in school outings, field trips, picnics, and other social events.
o WAVA accepts dual enrollment through their “shared attendance agreement” with resident school districts
Cons
o Some funding is required for several Online Schools
o If the student does not participate in social aspect of the Online Schools, they may lack social skills.
o It may be hard to find motivation when a time frame is not enforced and attendance is relaxed.
o Expected 4 to 6 straight hours of school work- can get tiring for parent as well as younger students.
o School is less personalized when the teacher/instructor is unknown.

2. Discuss some of the key skills teachers need to have to be successful when teaching a virtual school.
o Educators must achieve the knowledge, skills, and unshakable confidence to thrive in a virtual environment.
o Educators must also feel comfortable and be skilled in technology
o Being creative to provide the most compelling, comprehensive, and effective K-12 education

3. Discuss your findings on one other key issue that you found interesting (from those listed above).
I found the curriculum of the Washington Virtual Academy in particular to be very interesting. Washington Virtual Academies use flexible curriculum that is based on research about how children’s minds really work. The curriculum was designed to let Kindergarten through eighth grade kids find a pace and learning style that works best for their individual learning. It also holds courses in six core subjects that are wrapped with rich, engaging content that is minds-on as well as hands-on.

4. Think 2-3 years from now and discuss how virtual schools and online courses might impact your teaching.
o Virtual schools and online courses are very beneficial in certain situations. I feel that in an instance when one of my students are sick or in a position where they are not able to come into class, online schools are very convenient and allow all students to engage when it’s inconvenient for them to attend regular class. However, I do not see a future in being an online instructor permanently.