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Online teaching and learning is subject to the same kind of issues that F2F (face-to-face) classroom education is: the quality of the teaching is the most important aspect of all formal learning.  Online teaching has one additional hurdle and it's huge: technology. Some administrators and educators are under the illusion that you can simply transfer course content and instruction in the form of lessons into an online environment.  

Online instruction requires strong facilitation and participation from both the instructor and the learners. A learning community must be developed in order to have meaningful learning in an online environment. I don't think that virtual education is appropriate for K-5 students unless they have other F2F activities to develop strong social skills and have adults who can help facilitate, inspire and support virtual learning.

On the other hand, I think virtual schools are ideal for those Grade 5- 12 students who dislike the dumbed down curriculum of public high schools, who are lost and ignored in high schools that host 1000's students and who are interested in having a voice and choice in their education.  

Sue 

posted 2 years, 3 months ago
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