Virtual Schooling Scenarios

I think that some schools may be equipped to handle the scenarios listed.  However, the online learning policies present the "what" and not the "how" of online implementation.  I think that schools districts will have to come up with a plan beforehand on 1) how they are going to implement online learning and 2) how they plan on addressing the individual online learning needs of their students.


In regards to the rural area scenario, this is a district that would need to have a committee devoted to online learning.  They would need to allocate funds before the beginning of the school year to address the needs of their students (such as taking calculus). 


The scenario regarding the overbearing parent brings to mind a couple of things.  Is this more of a personal parent issue that needs to be addressed more so than an online issue?  And, if this student is allowed to take an online course because dad doesn't like the teacher, will other parents/students follow suit?  Oh, and is this student "prepared" to take an online course?


In regards to the student who came from a subpar cyberschool, they WILL have to take the district assessment.  So, the only thing that I can think of to do would be to use online learning in the classroom setting to help this student increase their skills.  Perhaps this student could do some remedial instruction online.  (Hopefully, this school already has an online program in place for just such students).


In the matter of a teacher being expected to facilitate online learning with no release time, this is a problem.  However, Michigan's online learning policy states that teachers need to have both online and face-to-face professional development.  If a teacher isn't given any time to "prepare" for this new task on addressing students' online learning needs, then the school is in violation of online learning policy.  Not to mention that the program may not serve the needs of students effectively if the teacher isn't given the proper supports.


The district should be able to provide online learning for the student who has leukemia fairly easily.  The school would have to allow the student to enroll in distance learning.  Section 5-O-A, allows for a student to experience a virtual learning experience in which students can take an unlimited number of classes online. 


I think that for any of the schools to be able to successfully handle the scenarios, they'd have to begin early, taking a stance on how they will deliver online instruction to their students.  Online learning is something that I believe is not going to come "faster than the speed of light", but it IS coming at a steady and constant speed.  We (educators, administrators, parents, students, etc.) have to begin getting prepared for it.