A virtual school has many pros and cons; the tricky thing is that a pro for one person may be a con for another and vice versa. Some elements that I identified as pros would be that you can set your own schedule, and take subjects that are not offered at your public school. Most virtual school also provides free laptops and software. One element that draws a lot of students to a virtual school is that online everyone is the same; no one dresses differently, looks weird, or is over weight. The amount of teasing and bullying may be decreased in a virtual classroom. Distance education also allows students to be independent and complete lessons on their own terms and time.
I think virtual schools also have several cons such as not allowing students to experience a social face-to-face interaction with their peers. I think this could hinder their social skills in society. Along the same line, I think students will miss out on public speaking skills such as presentations. I know that virtual classrooms could have web cams but it just is not the same interaction of a real audience starting at you. What if a student completes their education online and then someday works of a cooperation that they have to give a presentation for, will this be their first public presentation? Another con of virtual schools would be technology problems or internet connection problems that students may encounter. Students of virtual schools may miss out on extra curricular activities, such as clubs, musicals, or sports. An additional con of virtual schools is the possible problem of cheating, such as having other people do your work for you. How would this be regulated? Could a student pay another person to complete their math work?
I think there are a number of characteristics a person must possess if they are to succeed in a virtual school. The student needs to be independent and self motivated. Students need to make themselves do the work and engage in the online process. They need to set their own time frames and deadlines. Since the student will be working on their own they need to have the willingness to ask for help when they need it. Another consideration to take note of is the increased amount of reading that comes with a virtual classroom, all the directions, assignments, articles, etc. Therefore a student who has difficulty reading may not enjoy or succeed in this environment. This may also mean that young students would not do well in a virtual classroom. I think that virtual schools should only be used for middle school and higher, if other aspects support the program.
Teaching requirements for a virtual school are much like those of a normal school. Teachers need a bachelor's degree form an accredited educational institution and a valid teaching credentials for the state in which they want to teach. Most virtual schools prefer a teacher to have previous teaching experience. Virtual teachers are also required to attend various seminars. Of course teachers need a computer and internet access, they also work evenings and weekends.
Virtual schools might impact my teaching in the future by giving me the option to teach as a virtual teacher. I may also find it helpful to look at the activities and techniques that virtual schools are using and incorporate them into my own classroom. I could use websites, technologies, or virtual field trips that the virtual classroom are using in my own classroom to enhance my lessons.
