Sunday, March 30, 2014
Post 2 on Virtual Schooling
After doing the readings and looking at the myths, I was surprised, but I did not believe or post any of the myths, I just didn't realize how big virtual learning is. And I do call it virtual learning not virtual school, I know adding one more term to the flood of terms, but learning through access to the internet or web can be more than just for "school".
I was surprised at how long virtual learning has been available, since 1995, I don't think we had a PC until 1999. We were a little slow to join the twentieth century. I was accurate with some of my comments in the first post, but I didn't go far enough. Virtual schooling can offer so much more than I realized. I had not considered AP courses, or courses that just were not available at the students school, Mandarin Chinese or Electrical engineering.
I have found out in this past week that one of my grandchildren is taking his classes as a virtual student for the rest of the school year. He has had some behavioral issues and was skipping classes so this was the alternative for him. I am interested as an educator and concerned as a grandparent.
I know that in my own classes online I have learned a lot. I miss the personal interaction with other students, but in my situation, living in TN and going to a school in MI, it at least is possible. Virtual learning is going to become even more important and bring diversity of education to so many people.
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Barbara,I agree I didn't realize how the popularity of virtual schooling. Does your grandchild enjoy virtual schooling? Does he/she miss the interaction with other children?
ReplyDeleteHe just started a couple of weeks ago, I haven't talked with him about it yet, but I will and will comment here when I do.
ReplyDeleteHopefully the online classes will be the right fit for your grandson. It sounds like a good opportunity. For some kids, having to set their own schedule can be a serious "sink or swim" situation at a time when "sinking" can mean long-term setbacks. *cross fingers*
ReplyDeleteThanks for the good wishes for John, it is a struggle, but he is making an attempt. He is not quite sinking yet but could if he doesn't get his act together, it is hard being so far away. However, this has been a learning experience for me too. He is using his districts virtual schooling for credit recovery, he says it is faster paced, because he is going faster, than in school and he likes that. He gets the work done and then gets some free time. He is being supervised, he is using the computer at his other Grandmothers house and she is watching him "like a hawk".
DeleteIt is amazing the opportunities that virtual schooling provides for students of all ages and educational backgrounds! Online education has gained a lot of popularity recently, I can only imagine what it will be like 10 years from now. However, I still feel that students benefit from having one on one interaction with their peers and teachers in a actual classroom setting. I like to see virtual classrooms as supplements to traditional education, but not as complete replacements.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree that virtual schooling should be only supplemental not a complete replacement. The social interactions between students is very necessary.
DeleteHi Barbara, Thank goodness for virtual schooling, your grandson doesn't have to miss a beat, and I'm sure with your encouragement, he will be just fine. And yes, this virtual schooling thing is huge and growing. We have been privy to a lot of invaluable information in this class. I really believe that the blended classroom is going to be best for my middle school students. That way they can have the face to face interactions and the online, away from school experiences as well.
ReplyDeleteI really like the idea of blended too. That way we have the opportunity to teach them the soft skills then too, especially discerning what information to use on the internet and what to skip over.
DeleteThe blended learning environment definitely seems like a wonderful way to go!! It could be used a great balance for the students both academically and socially!
ReplyDeleteMy grandson has said that he misses seeing some of the kids at school, but he doesn't miss the "drama". Social interactions of some sort are necessary.
DeleteBarbara that sounds very exciting. Look how learning is changing. Technology is such a HUGE part of our lives-I LOVE IT!!!
ReplyDeleteDemand really is one of the keys driving virtual learning. When students want and need these classes like Mandarin and AP course not offered in their district the virtual schools will be there to help. It really changes the dynamics for students of today.
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