1. Each online program is individualized to its own "brand"
1.1. Most include activities such as:
1.1.1. Video chatting with instructors
1.1.2. Online lessons via video
1.1.3. Interactive workbooks and text books
1.1.4. Much needed parental support
2. What does a K-12 Online Program look like?
2.1. What does a class look like in a k-12 online school?
2.2. K12 Academy - "How Online Learning Works"
2.2.1. Online lessons, interactive activities, and virtual classroom sessions in the Online School
2.2.2. Independent activities not on the computer using K12-provided materials, including textbooks and workbooks
2.2.3. Interaction with teachers and classmates online or by phone
2.2.4. Guidance from their Learning Coach to ensure they are making progress during the day
2.2.4.1. A Day in the Life of an Online Student
2.2.5. Planned student activities and parent support as needed
2.2.6. Students are expected to complete schoolwork each day and attend virtual classroom sessions as scheduled by their teachers.
2.2.6.1. An Inside Look at a Virtual Middle School
3. Do students who attend online K-12 schools lack social skills?
3.1. Most programs allow young K-12 students to have a recess block where they have the opportunity to play and socialize with their classmates.
3.2. They are often involved in partner/group work where they learn to socialize with classmates
3.3. Some programs offer outside clubs, interest groups, and social events for students to attend
3.4. Still students of all ages are encouraged to be involved in their communities to get the social interaction outside of the classroom setting
3.5. School-sponsored activities and events might include teachers workshops and parent workshops; community service projects; clubs; field trips; school academic events like spelling bees, science fairs, visits to historical sites, etc.
4. Could it be more effective for older students versus younger?
4.1. There is not a lot of research surrounding the topic of who online school benefits more
4.2. A majority of people believe that it would be more beneficial to high school aged students because it is believed that elementary/middle school aged students need "more structure"
5. What is the role of a Virtual School Teacher?
5.1. Provide instruction, guidance, and support
5.2. Track student attendance and academic progress
5.3. Evaluate student work
5.4. Develop a strong partnership with parents or responsible adults
5.5. Work in consultation with parents to recommend remedial or enrichment programs and make placement and promotion decisions
5.6. Communicate regularly with their students via phone, e-mail, and face-to-face meetings, including academic workshops
5.7. Organize social and academic outings; promote school community
5.8. Participate in regular training and professional development
6. Online Public Schools are NOT Considered Homeschool
6.1. Homeschooling is whenever a parent chooses to keep their child out of school and choosing what the curriculum will be
6.2. Online Public Schools are different from homeschooling because:
6.2.1. They have state-certified public school teachers
6.2.2. Have state assessment tests
6.2.3. Have attendance policy and academic progress requirements
6.2.4. Require a school office for staff
6.2.5. Have an established curriculum determined by the school that students must follow – (families cannot pick and choose, or eliminate subjects)
6.2.6. Require school grades, transcripts, report cards and parent conferences
6.2.7. Require strong school administrators (e.g., principal, assistant principal, special education director, IT)
6.2.8. Are subject to academic and fiscal accountability requirements
6.2.9. Strictly adhere to school policies and procedures by way of discipline and due process
7. Online Education Compared to Traditional Education
7.1. Similarities
7.1.1. Tuition-Free and Full Time
7.1.2. Serves students K-12
7.1.3. Have state-certified teachers who provide instruction and support
7.1.4. Follow a traditional school year
7.1.5. Award graduates a high school diploma
7.1.6. Access to a variety of student activities and clubs
7.2. Differences
7.2.1. Students receive an individually tailored education with one-to-one support
7.2.2. Classes do not take place in a building. Classes can take place wherever there is internet connection
8. Financial Aid/Average Cost
8.1. If the online program is considered a public program (such as the K12 program) then it is tuition free and does not require payment to attend
8.2. Programs that are considered private, like Obridge Academy, require tuition costs for the online education provided
8.3. Prices for online public schools can range from hundreds, to thousands of dollars per semester.
8.3.1. This is not including added costs that come from textbooks and supplies that might need to be purchased
9. Advantages of Online Education
9.1. Individual Attention from Teachers
9.1.1. Students have more of an opportunity to talk to teachers one on one versus in a classroom setting
9.2. Encouraging Open Environment
9.3. Self-Paced Learning
9.3.1. Students can make their own schedules that are adaptive to their lifestyle, not a typical 8-3 work day
9.4. Easy Access - Students can work at any time or place
9.5. Flexibility
9.6. Availability to students who might not have the ability to attend a regular school setting (medical issues, learning capabilities, etc.)
9.6.1. How K-12 Online School Benefits Students with Medical Issues
9.7. Increased parental engagement
9.8. Need for a dedicated learning coach to oversee progress (parent, guardian, etc.)
9.8.1. This is especially needed for
10. Disadvantages of Online Education
10.1. "Too Easy" - plagiarism and retaking tests multiple times
10.2. Lack of Rigor - no challenging follow-up questions for students who need the extra push
10.3. Little Availability to Different Socioeconomic Classes
10.3.1. Online courses and programs can tend to be expensive, therefore, those of lower socioeconomic status might not have equal access
10.4. Need for a dedicated learning coach to oversee progress (parent, guardian, etc.)
10.4.1. This is especially needed for elementary aged students to make sure they stay on task
10.4.1.1. This means that accessibility for an online program would have to be with a stay at home parent, a parent that works from home, or someone else who attends to the student in order to see peak performance
11. Examples of current Online K-12 Programs
11.1. Keystone Online School
11.2. Acellus Academy
11.3. Obridge Academy
11.4. Lincoln Learning Solutions - Kansas Online Learning Program
11.5. Connections Academy
12. Online Transition Programs Implemented in Public Schools
12.1. Accelerated Reader
12.2. ixl.com
12.3. Lexia
12.3.1. All of these programs are starting to be incorporated into public schools for students to be in control of their learning pace
12.4. Reading Plus
12.5. Education Galaxy
12.6. Google Classroom
12.7. prodigy.com
13. Demographics of Online Programs
13.1. More than 2.7 million students in the U.S. are attending online education programs
13.2. 75% of all U.S. school districts are offering online or blended courses
13.3. Reasons for choosing online education:
13.3.1. 46% require or want greater flexibility
13.3.2. 43% want a change from local school
13.3.3. 34% want a safe learning environment
13.3.4. 26% of parents want more involvement with their child's education
13.3.5. 16% have health concerns
13.3.6. 9% cite bullying in previous school
13.3.7. 5% attend to pursue the arts or spots
13.4. Attendees:
13.4.1. 55% Female
13.4.2. 45% Male