Module 3 Reflection

                                                          

           A brand new virtual school policy for Shelby County Schools was recently developed and approved by the board in February. Even though this policy has been board approved, very little has been mentioned about the policy to all stakeholders. While the policy is in the infant stages, I believe that all teachers, elementary through high school, should be kept in the loop during the implementation process. Currently the policy is fairly vague, but a plan is in place to gradually expand it over the next 3 to 5 years. The virtual learning option is currently reserved for students with low unexcused absences and at least a 3.0 GPA. I feel like these requirements are necessary at the beginning of the implementation process while students and teachers adjust to a new learning process. 

In regard to virtual schooling, Shelby County Schools need to prepare stakeholders for future changes. While this is a very exciting time for parents and students, a lot of questions are still unanswered. The next steps should include introducing this policy with all stakeholders including administrators, teachers, parents, and students and address all questions and concerns. According to the current policy, a tentative timeline is in place to implement the new virtual education program. During the first year, English and History classes will be offered to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. A virtual orientation module geared toward freshman will be implemented. The policy does not explain what the orientation will include. Compared to the Hoover’s Engage Learning Initiative, there is an orientation in place for new virtual learners. The Shelby County virtual policy does not address which learning management system(s) will be used to fulfill the virtual policy or if there will be a full time or part time online option. Also who will teach these courses? The policy requires students to have access to adequate technology. Does this eliminate students who are from low income families? What provisions will be made for families who cannot afford the necessary technology to complete the classes online? Allowing stakeholders to ask questions and state concerns would be very beneficial before implementing the policy in the fall.

As I read through the new virtual policy for Shelby County Schools, I wonder how administrators will determine the effectiveness of the faculty and the overall effectiveness of the virtual programs offered to the students. According to Moore and Kearsley (2012), in order to improve any academic instructional program administrators must measure instruction based on the data collected through enrollment, student achievement, student satisfaction, faculty satisfaction, program or institutional reputation, and/or quality of course materials. As an elementary teacher, I wonder how the virtual policy on the high school level will affect middle school and elementary school age students. Moore and Kearsley (2012) explain that digital literacy skills were not taught in schools until recently. While basic skills such as navigating through screens, searching and locating information, and creating presentations though multimedia formats are taught in schools, many students are unprepared to learn solely online. American schools must keep pace with the fast of pace digital education options available in some form in every country of the world. It is never too early to start preparing students to learn in a virtual setting, and students need to be ready for the virtual option when it is available to them. 

References

Moore, M., & Kearsley, G. (2012). Distance Education. Wadsworth

         Cengage Learning: Belmont, CA.

Virtual Learning

Virtual learning allows students to learn from anywhere at any time. According to Moore and Kearsley (2012), a balance between interaction of the learner with content, interaction with instructor, and interaction with other learners is key to a successful virtual class. My infographic shows a comparison between two K-12 state virtual education programs.Florida Virtual School (FLVS) and Cyber Village Academy (CVA). I was very impressed with both schools because of the flexibility, differed course options, and differentiated instruction. FLVS is a K-12 school that provides online, full or part time classes. FLVS is recognized as its own district, and accepts students who are Florida residents for free and students who are out of state for a fee. Students can also participate in clubs to build social interaction with their peers. CVA is a public charter school located in Minnesota that serves typical students as well as twice exceptional and gifted and talented students. K-5 students are enrolled in an online/blended option, allowing students to meet face to face 3 days a week and online 2 days a week. I was impressed with both of these schools because they provide a balanced approach to learning. Incorporating socialization

3 Things that Impressed Me about Virtual Learning

Three things that impressed me about virtual learning include student and teacher flexibility, accommodating student enrollment options, and high student interest in taking virtual classes. Students have a certain flexibility with online classes, allowing them to take charge of their education. This is especially important in secondary education because it prepares students for higher level learning. While watching the EDpuzzle videos, I was impressed that Hoover High School currently has enough teachers to have 2 full time virtual learning teachers, with the potential to increase to 4. Finally, I was impressed by the variety of enrollment options for students. Both schools in the infographic offer over 100 courses to students, online and blended formats. 

2 Things that Surprised Me about Virtual Learning 

I was surprised that student enrollment in a virtual setting is not limited to the district. By allowing students from all over the state to enroll in the same class, students interact with more diverse learners. While Hoover High School provides ACCESS classes, many other districts are not as current. Because Hoover High School has enough interest to expand their staff, it seems more schools should be pursuing this option. 

1 Question I Still have about Virtual Learning 

I have several questions about virtual learning pertaining to class organization and structure, as well as meeting the needs of diverse learners. 

1. According to Moore and Kearsley (2012), more research is needed to determine the most effective method for satisfying different types of students, as well as types of distance-teaching strategies and content. Considering high interest and enrollment rates in programs such as ACCESS, class sizes tend to be very large. How effective will virtual learning be for elementary students, specifically students with disabilities?
2. Since students from all over the state can join an ACCESS class, what are the most effective ways to manage/organize local facilitators? 

References

Center for Online Learning and Students with Disabilities. (n.d). 

         Retrieved March 3, 2016 from http://centeronlinelearning.

         org/equity-matters-digital-and-online-learning-for-students-

         with-disabilities/

Cyber Village Academy. (2015). Retrieved March 2, 2016, 

          from http://www.cybervillageacademy.org/

Florida Virtual School. (2015). Retrieved March 3, 2016, 

         from https://flvs.net/

Moore, M., & Kearsley, G. (2012). Distance Education. Wadsworth

         Cengage Learning: Belmont, CA.