Jopurnal #8

"Virtual Schooling" by Niki Davis and Dale S. Niederhauser

This article looks at the positive aspects of virtual schooling (VS). It first mentions that schools of this nature are becoming more and more popular. On the first page of the article they have a subtext of Terms and Definitions. Here they summarize five different aspects of online learning. The first is "distance learning "where teacher and student are not in the same area. This can be done via Internet or more tradition methods such as video or even mail. The second term is "online learning". This includes activities solely on the Internet. The course work and material for this are all online. The third term is "course shell". This is the material for an online learning class. The fourth term is "virtual classroom". This is the content of a class that will be taught online. Lastly "virtual schooling" which encompasses all or parts of the above. The article has a comprehensive diagram demonstrating how a VS could work including the members that make it happen. There is the administrator, the designer, facilitator, IT coordinator, parent, student and teacher.

The article continues with examples of successful online schooling experiences. The article also mentions that many qualities that traditional teachers have are also necessary for a virtual teacher but stresses organization and include "comprehensive informational material". The article points out that this is the future and teachers need to be trained to be ready for the VS experience.

Question 1: Have there been studies about the harm of isolation that a VS might create? And if not what would you think it to be? I do not know of any studies but know from experience that students who were home schooled have had a more difficult time adjusting to normal society and usually have some anti-social traits. These traits may have been what prompted them out of traditional educational system but with constant exposure perhaps they could have worked through their difficulties.

Question 2: Who should decide if education K-12 should get to experience VS? More and more colleges are going this route and it is K-12 education that is supposed to prepare our students to for college. I feel that each district should decide if this is an appropriate format for learning.