Virtual instruction is big right now. Twelve states have established online high schools. Twenty-five states have cyber charter schools. Thirty-two states have e-learning initiatives underway.
Over-crowded classrooms, budget shortfalls and teacher shortages are contributing to this increase in virtual school programs. These Internet-based schools allow students to take more control over the learning process by allowing them to set their own schedules, communicate with teachers via phone, e-mail or instant messaging.
Students complete all coursework, including tests, virtually via the Internet. Once students finish their assigned tasks, they e-mail them to the teacher. The teacher looks at the student assignments and provides feedback to students via e-mail, instant messaging or by phone. Virtual schools offer a more personalized type of instruction.
Benefits of Virtual Schools & Online Learning
While the benefits of virtual schools vary from community to community, here are some components that are consistent among most programs:
Enhanced Course Selection: An online learning program provides students with access to courses not always available in traditional schools. For example, many rural schools often cannot offer AP courses or even electives such as foreign language, business education and computer science. Offering such courses virtually provides a welcomed educational benefit to students.
Course Delivery: As the delivery of instruction is via the Internet, courses can include multimedia content and real-time news updates.
Flexible Schedules: Graduating seniors, student athletes, performers as well as homebound students can access courses virtually and complete course work at their own pace.
Individualized Instruction: Online learning creates an environment where student and teacher interactions are one-to-one. This personalized attention is invaluable to students who are challenged with understanding difficult concepts.
Access to Qualified Teachers: Virtual schools can be a solution for schools and school districts that have a shortage of teachers, especially teachers who have an area of specialization.
Virtual schools are here and available. They open up huge worlds of educational opportunities. With annual reviews of the content of these programs, virtual schools are great extensions to the traditional classroom.
Virtual instruction is big right now. Twelve states have established online high schools. Twenty-five states have cyber charter schools. Thirty-two states have e-learning initiatives underway.
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