Virtual Learning Environments

I think depending upon the age, maturity of the student and the rigor of the program Virtual Learning Environments have there place in education.  I LOVE going to school online.  This virtual learning environment has worked out beautifully for me.  I do find it interesting that when I first wanted to find a school online, my coworkers thought I was crazy.  I knew I had the demeanor to work independently and I did not need the social aspect of seeing people.  I'm a visual learner, so sitting in a class listening to a lecture is a complete bore to me.  The thought of driving the I-95 during rush hour sounded unbearable.

The other comment I heard was wanting to know why the cost was the same as if the program was somehow less rigorous because it was online.  The tuition at SNHU is the same as Sacred Heart University and Fairfield University which are 2 of my local options.  My friend is a professor and I asked him about whether he would teach an online course.  He said probably not, mainly because he works with undergrads and doesn't think they are as organized as they should be.  He also enjoys the social aspect of the "craft' he thinks it's his most positive feature as a professor.  Knowing him, I'd have to agree. So on to secondary and primary virtual learning environments.  Here are some positives and negatives from my perspective:

Positive Aspects of Virtual Learning Environments

• The option to take courses not offered by the district school.  This would be a positive addition to any type of school.  Also, the virtual classroom would allow students to take a course even if there were not enough students interested to form a tradition class.
• Geographically, students living in rural areas would be able to take courses not normally offered.  The monies saved on transportation can be used for other expenses.
• Resources would be compiled in one location which would allow students in different areas who need specific programs to be accessible.  It seems you CAN be in 2 places at once.
• Schedule flexibility is necessary for some students either due to health limitations or outside commitments.
• The ability of the student to work at their own pace is wonderful.  Students would not need to rush through work to keep up and conversely, students wouldn’t need to wait for the rest of the class either.
• 1:1 attention from teachers would allow for more differentiation and assurance that the student understands the work.
• Students would have the opportunity to interact with students from various communities and locations.  Sharing this information would give students a different perspective and more of a global approach.

Concerns About Virtual Learning Environments

• The younger the students are, the more developmentally inappropriate this type of school would be.
• Transparency of the school, course work, teachers and assessments would be necessary to ensure that the school is rigorous enough and meeting the needs of the students.
• Some of the goals of CCSS is to improve collaboration, communication and problem solving skills.  Virtual schools would need to ensure that these areas are addressed as part of their curriculum.  It would be easy to have the social interactions removed from the daily class work if students are not physically together in the same space.
• The home environment would need to be a positive environment where education was valued.  Too many times when discussing students who are struggling, the aspect of the families view on education is mentioned.  If school is not important than the student suffers.  This would be exasperated in a solely virtual school setting.
• Teachers are not bots! Part of our craft is the social and human interaction. It’s not just the curriculum we teach.  The younger the students, the more important this aspect is.
• Students already have a large amount of screen time, this would add to that daily amount.

• By solely attending a virtual learning community, you lose the school community.  Book fairs, ice cream socials, movie nights, dances. Some of my children’s best friends are from kindergarten!