Virtual Learning Post 2

The biggest surprise I found during the reading was that Michigan was one of the first states to require an online component to diploma requirements.  I knew that Michigan's MACUL organization was very strong, so I shouldn't have been so surprised.  This requirement makes a lot of sense to me.  Whether the child is college, military, or trade school bound they will likely experience some find of online course or training.  This high school experience will help prepare them for this.

The Clark study surprised me right from the get-go.  When I saw the 2001 date next to the author's name I was shocked.  I thought to myself, I was in 8th grade/9th grade in 2001, I do not remember anything about online or virtual schooling.  Honestly, PowerPoint was still pretty "cool" back then.  The 40-50 thousand students participating in virtual school then seemed super high to me.  My mind was blown to read that there were virtual schools/programs back before 1995.

The amount of growth these programs are seeing is really remarkable.  It really tells you how fast our field is changing.  In just the three years I've been teaching, I've found that education has already changed quite a bit.  I can't even imagine what our field will look like in 10 years. 

I felt that my original post was pretty accurate.  I know I have a lot to learn on virtual schools and the current programs that are available.  

Virtual Learning....What I know now.

K-12 Online learning can look like a lot of different things. There are "Flipped" schools and classes where you watch lectures at home from your tablet, laptop, or phone and then do your homework in school.  There are online charter schools popping up all over the place offering a "customized" or"personalized" curriculum for students.  There are also K-12 schools or programs offered online for alternative education.

Depending on the program they can offer many of the same classes you would find in the traditional school setting.  Students from all grades can participate in these programs.  I would guess there are more high school aged students participating in these programs because of the level of independent work needed.  These programs also take students with disabilities, so special education services may be offered with them.