Virtual Schooling

Before the readings, my knowledge of virtual schooling was limited. 
Things that I learned:


Michigan was the first state to create legislation stating that an online learning experience be a requirement for student graduation.
(I had no idea that students had to participate in online learning in some way-minimum of 20 hrs., I thought that online learning was optional).

• MDE has provided elements that they deem necessary for students to learn in an online learning program.   Being exposed to RSS feeds, blogs, webquests, etc.  (all of which are things that I'm just learning about now, in this class).
• A lot of virtual schooling is done in school in the classroom

          (As I stated in my earlier blog, I thought that it was only done or mostly done at home).

• While some virtual schooling is supplemental, there is full-time virtual schooling available.
•  Michigan Virtual High School has an online program where students can learn Chinese.
• The governor is interested in monies following virtual students instead of staying in their home district-this is a concept that I'd never even thought about or considered.

I was right in thinking that teachers need to have some professional development in online education.  The readings stated that teachers are required to take one face-to-face class, along with a 4-6 week online class.  I was surprised to learn that teachers only need to be certified in the area in which they are teaching, and not have to have a Michigan certification to teach on-line.


Michigan is in the forefront of virtual schooling and legislation, providing unique programs and assistance for virtual learning.  It's also interesting to note that Michigan has been a "trailblazer" in other areas of education as well.  Michigan was one of the first states to have charter schools.  There are 2 full-time online charters in Michigan.  A side note:  Michigan is the only state that provides special education services from birth to 26. 


As Dr. Siko stated in his YouTube video, virtual schooling is something that is here to stay.  It is also something that educators need to stay abreast of because we will be(or may already be), a part of the process.

What I Know For Sure...About K-12 Learning

Well, after I thought about it, I guess I don't know that much about K-12 learning.  I know that students take all or most of their classes on line.  But aside from that, I guess I don't know what else is involved in K-12 learning.  I would imagine that students are expected to do assignments by a specified time.  I would also think that teachers would have to have specific training to teach on-line classes.  They would probably also have to do some continuing education to keep abreast of what's new in technology.