TEGIVS Project

Virtual Schooling Laboratory for SecondaryEducation

Purpose of this Virtual Schooling Laboratory

The purpose of this lab is to introduce you to Virtual Schooling through which K-12 students learn via technology from a teacher who is at a distance. Because the teacher is only present virtually there is a need for local facilitation by the K-12 school. This rapidly increasing application of technology brings new challenges and opportunities to K-12 education.

Objectives

  • To understand Virtual Schooling
  • To appreciate three main aspects of Virtual Schooling:
  • technology,
  • mentoring, and
  • organizational/collaboration of educators
  • To start to become competent to facilitate and plan for Virtual Schooling

Tasks for Secondary Students

  1. View the three scenarios(1, 2 & 3) and make notes using information on each one using the aspects noted on the attached sheet.
  2. For each scenario explore the related web links under resources and add them to your notes.
  3. Work with a small group to create a PowerPoint presentation and present it to the class (see below for details).
  4. Individually reflect on your competence to incorporate Virtual Schooling into a future career as a teacher using the three aspects listed. Post your personal reflection in your class WebCT discussion.

Group Presentation to the class

Imagine that your group has been requested to make a presentation on Virtual Schooling to the local School Board. They have heard of Virtual Schooling and need to know what it may entail for their school. You may choose whether the school is a middle school or a high school and if it has a rural, suburban of city location.

Your group task is to create a short PowerPoint with 2-3 slides that will present the potential and challenges of Virtual Schooling. Show the School Board, who are not experts in education, that you understand the three aspects of virtual schooling (technology, mentoring, and organizational/collaboration of educators). Incorporate 2-3 active links in the slides for further information or illustration.

Make a short 3-5 minute presentation to your class as if they were the School Board and end with a request for one or two questions to improve your understanding of Virtual Schooling.

Notes Sheet

Name: ______Scenario: ______

Please take notes on the following three aspects of Virtual Schooling while you watch each scenario (use separate sheet for each scenario: 1, 2 & 3), and then add more notes using the web links in resources. You may wish to download this word document and uses it as a basis to organize your notes:

1.Technology

The technologies used to support this case of virtual schoolingthat connects K-12 students with teacher(s), students, and/or content beyond their school:

  • List the tools, including the tools within a managed learning environment such as WebCT. Are they:
  • Synchronous or asynchronous?
  • Web-based or other such as phone?
  • What problems can occur and how can they be avoided?

2.Mentoring

Consider the development of good practice within the local K-12 school community and support for the K-12 student. Who are the staff facilitating the learning process, and/or who should be? How should they facilitate this process?

  • Counseling and advice on appropriate Virtual Schooling opportunities
  • Establishing and monitoring effective study habits
  • Monitoring assessment, including proctoring tests where relevant
  • Support for technology tools, including health and safety
  • What tasks are set for assessment and evaluation, both informally and for grading (e.g. proctored tests, quizzes, reflections, and performance based activities)? Is cheating a problem?

3.Organizational/Collaboration of educators

Describe the distant teacher’s role and responsibilities in this case of Virtual Schooling and that of the Virtual Schooling organization.

  • Describe the distant teacher’s role and responsibilities in this case of Virtual Schooling.
  • Describe the role and responsibilities in the Virtual Schooling organization.
  • Describe some learning activities that students do and their approach (e.g. rote learning, problem-based, inquiry based, lecture, lab):
  • Has one teacher designed the content or does it appear to be a team effort involving an instructional designer?
  • How do the teacher, student and peers communicate?How often do they communicate?