Distance Learning Education Project

1.Identify and briefly discuss at least 5 pros and 5 cons of having virtual schools.
There are several advantages of virtual schools, the most prominent being that students can receive an education in their own homes. Students do not have to travel to a certain location or even another town, making virtual school more convenient. Virtual schools also allow for the opportunity to integrate technology into the students’ learning process. Another advantage of virtual schools is the reduction of many financial burdens, such as cost of materials or school uniforms. Virtual schools provide students with the chance to complete courses that may not be offered in a traditional school. By enrolling in a virtual school, student exposure to illnesses is also reduced. Virtual schools provided equal opportunities to students who have access to a computer.
However, there are several disadvantages of virtual schools. For example, in order to succeed in a virtual school the student must be self motivated and able to complete work with little supervision. Parents may also play a large role in the success of the students’ virtual education. Students enrolled in virtual schools are often thought to lack social skills due to little or no social interaction. Students do not receive teacher-student interactions or student-student interactions. Virtual schools rely on computer systems as the main method of learning, which brings up the issue of computer failure and system crashes. Most virtual schools do not provide students with the opportunity to enhance their kinesthetic learning, such as physical education or playing an instrument.

2. Discuss some of the key skills teachers need to have to be successful when teaching a virtual school.
In order to teach in a virtual school, educators must be a state certified teacher. Teaching in a virtual school requires additional technological knowledge, such as understanding how to design an effective online course and preparing and administering lesson plans to students you have never met. Teachers must be able to clearly communicate directions and expectations through written language instead of spoken.

3. Think 2-3 years from now and discuss how virtual schools and online courses might impact your teaching.
In two or three years, I think that online courses will become extremely popular as more technological advances are made in society. Due to the convenience and independence of virtual schools, I think student enrollment will increase across the country. Online courses are administered in many universities and I think this trend will continue in the next few years. Overall, I feel that because of the huge advances in technology virtual schools will become a more common occurrence and a main method of student as well as adult education.