Journal #8

“Virtual Schooling”
By Niki Davis and Dale S. Niederhauser

Summary of article:
Virtual Schooling (VS) offers courses and activities through digital communication technologies. Here’s how it works: A teacher coordinates with a designer and a VS site facilitator to create a virtual classroom. The teacher is able to videoconference with as many distant classrooms as desired. On the receiving end, the students rely on a facilitator to answer questions on the subject matter and the technology. This form of teaching is rapidly expanding throughout the nation in K-12 schools. Virtual Schooling has a variety of benefits for the students involved. Many students participate in VS to get advance placement options and to create a flexible schedule. Another benefit is it allows students to make up the credits needed to graduate. In addition to the inherent conveniences, students succeed in areas of organizational skills, study skills, communication, and self-motivation.

Questions:
I. What does Virtual Schooling mean for teachers?
Well, unless you are versed in technological communications, an educator will take e-learning training. Many “digital immigrants” or teachers will need to join the 21st century in order to affectively educate students. Virtual Schooling creates a demand for teamwork. A joint effort of responsibilities and roles are shared between teachers, site facilitators, principals, school counselors, instructional technology coordinators, and students’ parents/guardians.

II. Is Virtual Schooling an equal opportunity?
The National Educational Technology Plan recommends every student receive access to e-learning opportunities. Although Virtual Schooling is expanding, what is the availability to schools of poorer communities? The students attending poorer schools without this opportunity are not receiving the educational benefits and key skills vital to higher education. Virtual Schooling is a wonderful tool for learning that should be accessible to all students.