Week Six (Chapters Ten and Eleven): Topic (Educational Technology), Module (Florida Virtual School Part II) – Clip: Options for Virtual Students

According to the video, the students discussed many advantages concerning online learning. For instance, one student was able to attend virtual school in order to obtain credits for several courses opposed to having to attend summer school. This student stated that she enjoys virtual school because she did not have to worry about being interrupted by other students who were not concerned about their education. Furthermore, she stated that she did not have to listen to students complaining about their teachers assigning an excessive amount of homework.

The other students that were interviewed in the video appeared to live busy lives because of their commitment toward extracurricular activities. Through virtual schools, these students were able to attend school when it was convenient for them. These students stated that if they were not able to complete all of their assignments during the traditional school week, then they were able to attend virtual school on the weekend. One of the students who was enrolled into a couple of AP courses stated that the quality of learning was much improved compared to traditional schools because of the one-on-one attention he received from his teachers.

The parents’ appeared to have several optimistic views toward online learning. One parent stated that the instructions and guidance presented in the virtual school were very easy to understand. This parent also stated that teachers were constantly giving her feedback regarding her daughter’s academic performance. This parent felt that she did not ever have to wonder about her daughter’s performance because she would receive frequent calls and updates from teachers. The other two parents experienced similar situations. They stated that they felt a personal connection with their children’s teachers. In fact, one parent believed that she would not have received this level of connection if her students were enrolled into a traditional school.

The teachers’ overall view toward online learning was to make their students feel as if he or she is the only student in the class. Based on the students’ remarks, this was the theme. Apparently, the teachers wanted for students to realize that they were able to accomplish the tasks that were set before them. In difficult cases, the teachers were there to help students resolve their problems. Additionally, some of the teachers allowed students to re-submit assignments to demonstrate improvement.

If states would offer more courses online, there would be several benefits that would emerge from it. I can see how virtual schools could be used to address the learning needs of different learners. Based on the video, it appeared that each student that was being interviewed enjoyed learning on their own. I wondered how virtual schools could be used to help those students that are falling through the academic cracks and dropping out of school. So, in order to address the question, I believe that a benefit is to increase the number of students graduating high school. When students are being expelled from school, then they are not learning by sitting at home. I believe that virtual schools may be one solution to the problem. Another emerging benefit is to address the needs of teacher shortage in rural, public education. It is often difficult for rural school systems to recruit, hire, and retain quality AP teachers. I believe that virtual schools would be advantageous in helping AP students from these areas to receive an adequate education.

A limitation towards virtual learning that the people in the video did not address could be what it takes for students to be successful. Another limitation, which is also mentioned above, is strategically finding a way to use virtual schools to address the academic achievement gap and attainment in the United States.

I believe that the limitations could be resolved through research and concerned educators. It takes a certain set of quality and characteristics for students to be successful in virtual schools. Prior to students enrolling in virtual schools, they should be screened and interviewed. Through future research and dedicated educators, virtual school can help many students to attain their academic and personal goals.