Virtual High Schools

Practicalities and Possibilities:Ellen M. Nosal

The Virtual High School Movement

• An Invitation to a Revolution– corresponding learning– educational choices– globalization of education

• Concerns: – the way it’s always been done– loss of peer-to-peer interaction and

socialization– the digital divide

Educational Choices

• New course offerings• No limits on enrollment• Home schooled • Home bound students• Transfer students• Special needs students • Family needs• Jobs• Older set getting diplomas• Advanced degrees

Globalization of Education

Boundaries, Boarders and Time Zones

-Limitations of the past

The Virtual High School Learner

• Who is served by the VHS?– Accelerated students– Students needing credit– Students with disabilities

• Characteristics of the VHS learner– Self motivated– Comfortable with technology or willing to learn– Able to manage time effectively

• Accelerated learner• A transfer student needing to make up credit• Classes not offered at school• Canceling a of class do to low enrollment• Special needs student• Homebound student• Older student getting diploma

Typical Online Student

Responsibilities:Students and

Instructors•Trust•Motivation•Questions and answers•Pacing•Support

-technological-academic

The Current State of the Art: Programs and Courses

Effective programs:• Work closely with home schools for admissions and the transfer of credits• Web site should be easy to navigate• Program has a history of success• Program has standard technology requirements

•Internet access, computer processor etc.• Programs need to be cost effective

Courses:• Offer curriculum similar to home school• Offer advanced placement classes• Have standards are aligned to state• Teachers are state certified or nationally certified

The Current State of the Art: Programs and Courses

Choose the style of learning that best fits your needs

• Do you need deadlines?• Can you pace yourself?• Do you have a quiet place to study?• How well do you know the software?• Are you comfortable with technology?

Benefits, Issues, and Concerns

• Your time• Your path• Your pace

Benefits, Issues, and Concerns

• Responsibility• Federal regulations• Funding• Accreditation• Property rights

Benefits, Issues, and Concerns

• Cheating• Plagiarism• Fraud

Recommendations

• Go with a program that fits our needs• Shop for the best price• Seek a flexible and expandable program• Get a partnership• A track record of good business practices• Excellent customer service

• Have dynamic teachers on board early• Have professional development in place• Take an inventory of technology

-What do we have?-What we need?

• Have adequate funding appropriated• Have students ready to lead the way

To Do List….

Success