EDUC 630 Technology and the Virtual School

Already, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with taking EDUC 630 and EDUC 638 at the same time.  I thought I had completed setting up my homepage earlier last week and realized tonight I left out information about technology in my school! 

For most of my teaching career, I taught in the traditional "brick and mortar" environment.  Last year, I landed what was my dream job: teaching middle school science from the comfort of my own home via the Internet.  I teach for a virtual public school, and I love it.  My students are home-based; they school from home, or anywhere they can access the Internet, and are spread across our state. 

As a virtual school, all of our students use technology to learn in some way.  We have lessons in their online school and teach synchronous sessions online using Elluminate classrooms.  The youngest students spend little time online, but the time increases as students progress from grade to grade. 

Having a computer and internet access is a must, preferably high speed internet access.  Our school provides a computer and a printer to families who document need and qualify for free or reduced lunch.  Each high school student in the family receives a computer, but there's only one computer issued per family for students in grades K - 8.  This can be a problem for families with multiple students in those grades.  With a budget that is significantly lower than our brick and mortar counterparts, providing additional computers at this time is not possible. 

Technology is helping us to reach students who were not successful in the traditional classroom.  They come to us for a variety of reasons.  Some students have severe illnesses that prohibit traditional school attendance.  Others have been victims of bullying.  Some have learning issues that can be alleviated by schooling from home.  Others are advanced learners or have lifestyles that require travel.  Whatever the reason, it takes a commitment from families to succeed in this environment. 

Teachers find this type of job very rewarding yet very challenging.  I work harder than I have ever worked in my life, but I really enjoy my job.  There was a tremendous amount of initial training to complete when I first started.  Beginning the job before I had training was hard.  I found I had to learn skills before I got to the training component for that skill.  Teachers sometimes find it difficult to transition from a traditional school environment to the virtual environment.  A love of technology helps, but even teachers who have reached retirement age and who do not have major technology skills can be successful when they are willing to learn.

One of our major barriers has already been mentioned, funding.  Currently, local school districts receive the local tax dollars for all students in the district, whether or not the students are enrolled in their schools.  This goes hand and hand with educating the public and our legislators about the capabilities of our school.  One mindset we see is the idea that students sit in front of a computer all day and lack socialization.  This is not the case.  They have offline activities to complete, and many are often involved in community activities.  In addition, our school offers outings for families and families network to provide their own outings.  By educating others, we are hopeful that funding for virtual schools will become more equitable in the future to provide better opportunities for our families.