Virtual Learning in a Virtual Age
Who we are:Who we are:
Robin StewartPrinciple
Central High School
Jeramy DonovanPrinciple
Southwestern High School
Larry GriffinPrinciple
Northern High School
Big City School DistrictUrban City, Midwest
Why Virtual Schools?Through Michigan Virtual University, our students will: Increase their learning options through a full catalog of Advanced Placement courses Enjoy low student to teacher ratios Exchange ideas across cultural and geographic boundaries Take advantage of the flexibility of courses which can be taken anywhere, anytime Participate in courses that are highly desired, yet are not offered locally
Benefits of Virtual Schooling
Enhanced communication between students as well as teachers
Accommodation of different learning styles Unlimited, flexible, access to curriculum and
instruction (any time, any place) Frequent assessment Increasing the supply of teachers
Additional Benefits
Advanced Placement
Add AP courses without the expense of adding on-site courses.
Reduce costs of large enrollment AP classes by offering them virtually.
Reduce the outbound transfer of students to home schooling or to neighboring schools/districts that have broader AP offerings.
Address the needs of AP students with scheduling or physical challenges.
““Our students can earn college credits with challenging AP courses”Our students can earn college credits with challenging AP courses”
Ex. Districts
http//wash.k12.mi.us/techservices/distancelearning.cfm
Example: AP Calculus Course
Two semesters: calculus principles such as derivatives, integrals, limits, approximation, and applications and modeling
Solve calculus methods and apply them to practical applications.
Upon completion of this course the student will: Understand and work with functions: graphical, numerical,
analytical, or verbal. Understanding & solving derivative in terms of: rate of change,
local linear approximation Understand & solve the meaning of the definite integral: both as
a limit of Riemann sums and as the net accumulation of change Understand the relationship between the derivative and the
definite integral as expressed in both parts of the fundamental theorem of calculus.
Synchronous Vs. AsynchronousConceptual Framework for Online Learning
Learning Experience Dimension
SynchronicityFace-to-Face
Alternative
Face-to-Face
Enhancement
Expository
Synchronous Live, one-way webcast of online lecture course with limited learner control
Viewing webcasts to supplement in-class learning activities
Asynchronous Math courses taught through online video lectures that students can access on their own schedule
Online lectures on advanced topics made available as a resource for students in a conventional math class
Active
Synchronous Learning how to troubleshoot a new type of computer system by consulting experts through live chat
Chatting with experts as the culminating activity for a curriculum unit on network administration
Asynchronous Social studies course taught entirely through Web quests that explore issues in U.S. history
Web quest options offered as an enrichment activity for students completing their regular social studies assignments early
Interactive
Synchronous Health-care course taught entirely through an online, collaborative patient management simulation that multiple students interact with at the same time
Supplementing a lecture-based course through a session spent with a collaborative online simulation used by small groups of students
Asynchronous Professional development for science teachers through threaded discussions and message boards on topics identified by participants
Supplemental, threaded discussions for pre- service teachers participating in a face-to-face course on science methods
Conclusion
If you believe that our students should:
Assume more responsibility for their own progress.
Exhibit a high level of discipline and drive.
Have superior writing skills. Be proficient using the computer to
access the Internet. Have basic technology skills (word
processing, internet surfing, problem solving).
“Then the question is not whether we should do this, but how soon can we get on board, so they can get the education they deserve”Clicking Here: Changes Our Student’s Future