Technology - Virtual Classes

Many states have requirements that students take one class "on the computer" before high school graduation.  Some states even require two or more.  These classes are usually structured using two teachers, one that may be any place and may have no actual real contact with the student.  This teacher will be responsible for and an expert in what is taught, doing the grading and interacting with the student in a timely manner to answer questions, sometimes designing but always providing assignments and doing evaluation.  Since this teacher has no actual face to face contact with the student, the other teacher is responsible for making sure the student is doing the work themselves in a timely manner and making sure the student has access to the computer as needed.  The two teachers may talk about the student's progress and problems.  Ideally both teachers are certified but it may be that neither are.

This can be an effective method of instruction and is certainly cheaper for the school district as each teacher can be responsible for more students.  It is also used sometimes for home schooling as the parent serves as the supervisory teacher and the expert provides the subject manner and evaluation.  This may be effective if the student is basically self-motivated.

Recently several school districts have been experimenting with a blended technique using computers for the basic materials two or three days a week and having another teacher supplement in person the rest of the days.  It was hoped that this would provide both a cheaper way of educating and the "personal touch" of a classroom teacher.

Studies have shown that both of these types of virtual education do indeed save money.  Corresponding studies do not show an equality in the education received, however.  Students who participate in an educational format that is mostly virtual or blended are shown to be more likely to not graduate or have their graduation delayed.  Students who are not self-motivated find it more difficult to stay focused.  It is also not condusive for use with most special needs students.  It has the requirement that students have good and frequent access to computers and the internet.  All students who complete one or more classes will have demonstrated that they have at least some knowledge of computers.

Tomorrow - technology for the schools and teachers.