Blog 1
http://www.speedofcreativity.org/2007/05/16/lessons-learned-from-high-school-students-enrolled-in-the-texas-virtual-school/
I think a virtual high school would provide a great option for some students. Today, there is a greater need for online learning to become an integral part of any curriculum. Even if students are not going on to colleges they should be equipped with the basic computer skills that would enable them to fill out online applications, and effectively participate in online job training programs. Especially for students who would like to continue home schooling through high school, a virtual high school would offer a great opportunity for them and their parents. Since online courses require students to be more disciplined and take responsibility for their own learning a virtual high school may not be a good idea for at- risks students, although, it might seem as an easy way of purging the school system of troublesome kids. Most people do think of online learning as impersonal, however, if teachers and students could establish online trust to the point where students feel free to confide personal issues such as drug problems, as mentioned in the discussion, then that would support arguments for establishing virtual high schools. Most Corporations are now conducting staff training online, some third graders and fourth graders are already blogging, eventually most school would have to pass laws like Michigan and Maryland requiring all students to have an “online experience” before graduating from high school. Also, Course Management Systems designed for these virtual high schools should incorporate tools for interactive discussion and privacy of information. In summary, virtual high schools are a good idea but careful attention must be given to assessing the students who would qualify for this type of self-directed and independent learning.
