Journal #8

Virtual Schooling by Niki Davis and Dale S. Niederhauser

Virtual Schooling is growing in the K-12 throughout the nation. There are two types of VS(Virtual Schooling): Distance learning(video courses, email, tv/radio broadcast courses, & internet based courses), and Online learning (using internet to deliver instruction and online interaction with other participants). Among the Virtual Schooling system, there are other types of ways to enhance learning the classroom with WebCT(providing syllabus, class assignments, and discussion boards online)and Video Conferencing (communicating with other classrooms through live video). For those who are not familiar with VS, the virtual classroom includes a teacher and groups of students who use digital technologies (e-mail, video conferencing, and an online learning management system) to communicate and share resources.

How is virtual schooling an effective education?
Though students of virtual schooling/distance learning do not typically meet during the course period, the digital technologies allow them to be in touch with modern day society as well as allowing convenient education for those who cannot meet at a regular classroom. At the same time, it is another diverse way of learning. It adds more "oomph" or interest in the subject the students are learning.

Is the workload less for an online instructor versus a regular classroom instructor?
It all depends on the course, but usually "a VS instructor needs to be highly organized and include comprehensive informational materials if they are to provide appropriate levels of structure in the course and individual activities to meet their VS students' needs" (Davis & Niederhauser).