From my interview with Michelle Weston, the most important trend identified by her was virtual schools. As a virtual counselor this past summer, she mentioned that all the summer school classes were only offered in an online format. Ms. Weston hypothesized that the main reason for this is because of money. I believe money is a big issue in not only whether or not to teach classes online but in what types of technology are chosen, the applications available, and professional development options. Not having a class in a traditional school setting allows districts to save money on the use of facilities, electricity, and the amount of faculty needed. Virtual schools allow for students to take classes that are not offered at their local high school and this can play an important role for all types of students. Ms. Weston mentioned that most public schools teach issues like evolution that conflict with beliefs of some students. Therefore, Christian students can then choose to take a faith-based class online instead of the one offered at their school. Virtual schools are an important point because the amount of students taking classes online is increasing exponentially and that is a main reason why I chose this Master's program to begin with. What was once viewed only for adult learners is emerging in the K-12 setting more and more every year. Though our interview did not change my views on distance education it helped me to see it from a different perspective. I had never thought about what to do with students who might need counseling while teaching that type of setting. It is nice to know that there are still counselor's that can aid with the social, academic, and career aspects that student's face. This interview was relevant to me because after graduation I would like to teach in a virtual school setting in the 7-12 grade level range. I learned from Ms. Weston that along with the change in the way the lessons are delivered that I also must start to focus on learning how to communicate differently with my students. To me it has been easy to make a class fun and interact with my students when I am face-to-face; however, I will now have to adapt to show my fun personality in a virtual format.
10 Comments
10/30/2013 03:46:22 am
Hey Corinne - Thank you for your post on concerning your interview with Michelle Weston and virtual schools. I too am very interested in virtual schools and possibly teaching for one. I have medical issues that are keeping me from being on my feet while I teach because of the pain I have in my foot. Teaching for a virtual school would enable me to still remain in the field of teaching but from the comfort of my home. This would be a difficult transition for me since I love the interaction with my students. Would I still have this interaction if I taught for a virtual school? I was also interested in the fact that Michelle is a counselor for virtual schools. Like you I am currently able to make my classroom fun and engaging but wonder if I would be able to do the same thing with a virtual classroom.
Reply
Dr Courduff
10/31/2013 11:10:32 am
Hey Corinne,
Reply
Corinne
10/31/2013 07:31:39 pm
Dr. C,
Reply
11/2/2013 06:12:37 am
Hey Corrine!
Reply
Corinne
11/5/2013 04:21:15 am
I actually tutored a girl in the states that participated in virtual high school. Her parents chose this path because she performed in rodeos and often traveled over weekends where she would miss 1-3 days of school a week at a traditional school. The reason why I was hired was because her mother worked and was unable to put the time into making sure she did her work and did not believe that her daughter would be responsible enough to stay on top of it. So I can see the gap you are talking about.
Reply
Stephanie Reade
11/3/2013 10:47:59 am
Corrine, your interview sounded like it was very insightful. I never knew there was even such a role as a virtual counselor. Although my current district does not have any virtual classes or schooling in place, a neighboring district, much larger than the one that I work for, has started to introduce virtual classes for junior high and high school students. Their goal, along with creating a virtual school, is to open charter schools as well. This way they can appeal to almost parent sending their child to school in that district. The only thing that raised some questions to me was the virtual summer school aspect. In my district, we have a 98% free and reduced lunch rate. I have over half my class that does not have access to computer or internet on a regular basis if at all. So what did they do with students who did not have the technology to participate but needed the class or help? Great post!
Reply
Corinne
11/5/2013 04:34:11 am
Since virtual school is not a mandatory thing, I believe it is up to the student/parents to make sure the child is prepared. I know that not every village has Internet capabilities but I do know that there are wifi spots available in many locations as well as computers available at each library for use.
Reply
Leigh Anne Langston
11/3/2013 11:09:36 am
http://youtu.be/9wOiaAND04Y
Reply
Ralind Davis
11/3/2013 11:37:36 am
Hi Corrine,
Reply
11/4/2013 01:23:54 pm
Sorry for the delayed response to your introductory video which I have thoroughly enjoyed. First I would like to thank you for your obedience to God for submitting your thoughts and ideas to his will.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
EDUC 639 - BLOGSArchives
December 2013
Categories |