Week 14 & 15

Scenario 1 – It would be feasible for the student to enroll in an online course at a local school district that offers open enrollment to students outside of the district to take the course(s) needed.  In addition, the districts have allotted funding to cover expenses associated with students taking online courses if it meets the criteria of Section 21f.  The open enrollment option will be beneficial for the student as well as for the school.  The student will be able take the course, the school don’t have the added expenses associated with offering the course (enrollment, salaries, etc.) and there is a capped amount that the school is required to pay for the online course.  

Scenario 2 – With the consent of the parent, a student can take an online course if it meet the following criteria: The course must appear in the district or statewide catalog, second, the course provided must be an interactive internet connected learning environment from teacher and by time or both.  If the parent has made the decision of how they want their child educated I would not try to prevent it, if it is in the best interest of the student.

Scenario 3 – The student can be denied if s/he does not meet the prerequisite, knowledge and skills needed to be successful in online course and if the courses taken at the previous cyberschool are not sufficient in quality and rigor as the courses at new school however, the student can be placed in an alternative course or similar course of an acceptable rigor or quality.  

Scenario 4 – The teacher should be able to participate in facilitating online courses, stated in PAM 5-O-D: Expanded online learning courses provided in an interactive Internet connected learning environment students are separated by teacher and time or both, which means that time can be allotted that better fit the schedule of teacher and student.

Scenario 5 – The best option for the 12^th grader would virtual online learning. Stated in PAM 5-O-A a student may receive academic instruction through self-scheduled learning where student have control over time, location and pace of their education and have the option of taking unlimited courses as long as student is seated with a certified instructor.

Majority of the schools that I have worked with in the past are not equipped to handle online schooling due to lack of resources (funding, teachers, etc.). The changes that need to take place in schools to provide quality online courses will happen over time however the changes are occurring faster than some schools are able to keep up with changes.

Part 2: What I know about K-12 online learning

Based upon the readings and this website, what did you learn that surprised you?

After completing the readings, one thing I found surprising was the concept of virtual schooling is not new. Before reading "Virtual and Distance Education in North American Schools", I thought virtual schooling was a fairly new concept and it was just now becoming more mainstream in our education system. I did not realize that the independent-study high school movement started in the 1920's and what is different today is technology is just now catching up to the concept.  It is also surprising to know since virtual schooling has become more mainstream that there are only two organizations that offer online schooling that focus on elementary grades.

Were there things you posted in part one that were false (were any of them listed in the 10 myths)?

In my part one posting I wouldn't say I posted anything false or listed in the Top 10 Myths about Virtual Schools, however I would say I did not have a clear understanding about the whole concept of virtual schooling but I feel that I was on the right track.