Virtual Schools?

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Shall we tear down the walls of the schoolhouse?

I hope not. As a huge advocate for technology in education, and particularly of late, online learning, I know from my own experience that education and teaching are processes which include many tools. Online learning combined with face-to-face interaction with students is definitely powerful. Recent studies support it and validate the hybrid model. We need the schoolhouse —but the schoolhouse may look very different.

Will school be virtual? Online?

You may ask, “What am I talking about?” Well, if you are not in touch with what’s going on in technology in education today, you may be virtually unaware of recent developments in education generally, and particularly in New York. We all know that there is clamoring for educational reform nationally as well as across our state. While many of us have been focused on our own classrooms, the world of our profession has changed. Is this a good thing, or a bad thing? I don’t think we really know yet, but the fact remains that teachers need to become aware and become part of this reform. Ignoring it will not stop it. My goal is to help provide recent information so that we can engage in the conversation and decision-making.

Here is what you may have missed…

In July of this year, (2009), US Department of Education issued a study combining results from literature and studies from roughly 1996 through 2008 which showed that hybrid learning, (i.e. face-to-face instruction combined with online learning) was more effective than instruction via solely lecture or online learning. Unbelievable? Here is a link to the complete report. I personally am not surprised as I teach this way and have experienced it myself. (I will post more on this in the future — for now, let’s just look at the other developments.)

What has been happening around us?

My guess is, if you are a New York teacher there is a good chance that you may not even realize that this has been happening across the country. Well, here are the statistics. According to a recent report published by the Center for Digital Education , 26 states currently have statewide online learning programs. These programs are state funded and reimbursed in various ways. Enrollment in these programs is increasing dramatically. What types of courses are offered? It depends on the state and type of program, however it can vary from core subjects to electives or both. Some states have totally virtual schools where students can get diplomas online. Some allow students to choose electives to supplement those courses offered in the districts, eliminating the need for districts to offer electives where they cannot substantiate the enrollment. There is also a movement toward focusing on K-20 programs, allowing colleges to partner with high school programs to provide advanced placement credit students. Although 16 states do not currently have statewide online schools in place, seven of these states are in the planning stages, and all remaining states allow for online programs but are not currently funding them.

But you may say, that this will not really impact us in New York, right? If you’re following the federal stimulus story, you may be aware that New York is one of a handful of states that may unable to access all federal dollars available because of a few things, one of which is our status with regard to online learning. Not surprisingly, in the November meeting of the New York State Board of Regents, NYSED approved a proposal to further examine a virtual high school concept in New York, beginning 2011 — 2012. Here it is– read it for yourself! Click here for the dates.

If you combine the research supporting online instruction with the fiscal realities we face, there is no question in my mind that we will see some type of online learning, perhaps virtual high school in New York soon. We already have some BOCES offering classes online regionally. In October NYSED approved a policy to look at credit recovery options. We know they are rethinking seat time requirements which will open the doors to credit without classroom time as we currently have it. Yes…This is really happening now!

When you browse the vendors at educational conferences such NYSCATE, you see a growing percentage of online programs offered by book publishers as they see the textbook industry fading in the distance. In my view, the question for us really is, what will it look like? Who will run it? Who will pay for it? Unless you are retiring in the next two years, this will directly impact you.

So here is our task…

1. Get and stay informed–Take a look at all of the links in this post. Print the links and give them to your fellow teachers and explain to them the issue. We need to become aware of what is going on and start talking about it in a productive way.

2. Get and stay involved–Bookmark this link to NYSED, and pay attention to what is happening there. E-mail your comments to posts and regulations as they are posted for comment. ( I will try to help provide info on that as it becomes available). NYSED wants to hear from us and needs our help! Have a meeting about this in your school and talk about it. Contact your NYSUT or union representative and ask what is being explored what info do they have available. What are they saying and doing on the issue?

3. Think about it and help create a model that is educationally sound!– We need to have an open mind about using technology in instruction, learn how to do it, and be part of the transformation of education. I really believe that teachers need to be part of the process of creating this. If we don’t participate, I fear policymakers will create it without us. What other choice do they have? We are the “instructors” and can best help shape educational reform. We need to think about how we can do so. I don’t think we can stop the train but we must help determine the course and be part of it! They have already started…Are we involved?

What are some of the issues that online learning in a virtual high school will raise for teachers? Many, many, for sure! Issues such as seat time (which we already know states are rethinking) and school structure are obvious. What role will the virtual school play? Will it be totally virtual or a hybrid model? What courses will be offered? Will teachers from other states be able to teach these courses? Who will provide the teacher training for online teaching? How will teacher prep be modified?

The list goes on and on. What we must do now is to become aware and begin the discussion.

For me, however, the most important question is this… Is it good for kids to bring the school walls down? If education reform is good for students, I am all for it. I personally believe hybrid teaching can be better for students as I have seen in my classroom but also know that it is not an easy process. We need a school classroom for a hybrid model. We can really mess this up and it is for that reason I ask all of us to start working on it so we get it right!

Bookmark this, and pass it on…What are your thoughts and suggestions? If you hear of anything new, please post here in comments or email me at masterymaze@gmail.com. Thanks!

Sue Palmer

Coming next time….I will look at some of the particular issues like teacher certification. I will always provide an update on what I have found as news.