Virtual School

Virtual School:. A virtual school or cyber-school describe an institution that teaches courses entirely or primarily through online methods. It has been suggested that a virtual school is an online learning platform offered by an educational organization whereby individuals can earn credits in the particular area of interest which can be counted toward graduation or advancement to the next grade.
Instructional Models:. There are many different virtual school instructional and enrollment models. Instructional models range from fully independent self paced courses to semester based virtual teacher facilitated courses. Class sizes range widely with anywhere from 25 students to as many as 200 students in each class section. Students keep in contact with teachers and collaborate with other students through web communication tools provided in the course delivery platforms. Student can also communicate by phone, email, and other technology communication practices with instructors. Studies have shown that the use of the telephone in communication between educator and student seems to afford some aspect of more meaningful communication as it provides more information at a personal level. However communication between parties by email has been understood to be the most critical component for online learning as it allows for the most convenient and speedy response on behalf of the parties involved. In addition to help with communication many virtual school have implemented their own system. programs to help build course and maintain student profiles. There are also a variety of books and training manuals to aid in the development of such schools and course.
Advantages and disadvantages of Virtual School:.
Advocates of virtual learning believe that virtual schools hold advantages including not being required to attend and travel to face to face classes and the integration of digital media into the curricula. virtual school also give a student the opportunity to stay in school when traditional brick and mortar schools will no longer accept them. Some reasons teen pregnancy or for other reasons that the school system may deem distracting the school system may deem distracting to the school body. Virtual schools can be considered a great equalizer as these schools can make education accessible to non traditional students. Additionally students with physical disabilities or transportation  issues may find that they are able to succeed in virtual school without the burden of getting to a physical location for school.
Schedule flexibility is another perceived advantage of online education Students who have job and family obligations which can limit the time spent in the classroom, are able to attend virtual schools at any time of day. For parents returning to school. this is an option which allows them to fit schooling into their busy schedule.