After viewing the video on virtual schools I realize its definite benefits -- the flexibility, pacing, efficient communication between parent and teacher. I can definitely attest to the sense of ownership and deeper level of understanding I've attained through my e-learning experience with the JHU program.
However, I also noticed the parent involvement and how it enhanced the effects of virtual schooling. In the virtual schools video, parents played an active part of their children's education as they took them to field trips, looked over problems together, called the teacher together, and the parents knew what their kids were learning about. On the other hand, I question whether virtual schooling can be done in the absence of parents. In our school, as well as many others, there is a pattern of low parent involvement. Back-to-school nights and conferences are only attended by the parents of the students who are excelling or show signs of interest in their performance in school. Without the unstructured environment at home, I wonder if any level of virtual classrooms are possible.
Knowing how much MCPS loves quantifiable progress and structure, until someone can figure out a way to merge standardized assessments with virtual schooling, it may be a while before virtual schools make progress in this school system.
I agree with your concern about parent involvement. Virtual schooling, as with many other methods of instruction, could have enormous benefits with active parent involvement. Unfortunately,it simply is the case that not all parents are involved, and some students would suffer from the lack of structure and responsibility required to complete a virtual class without that support. Moreover, it is also the case that many students do not have the internet or computers, and most schools are not equipped in a way that provides all students daily access to the technology needed to complete a virtual class. Does that mean we can only provide virtual classes to those parents who choose it for their students? If so, are we really providing the highest quality education to all of our students?
ReplyDeleteThat is true, that parent support may be needed for virtual schools to work. You bring up a good point - how would standardized testing fit in.
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