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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
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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
Typical Online Student • 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
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
The Current State of the Art: Programs and Courses • Courses: • Offer curriculum similar to home school • Offer advanced placement classes • Have standards are aligned to state • Teachers are state certified or nationally certified
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
To Do List…. • 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