Virtual Schools
Hey everybody. It’s me again, Demetrus. Today’s topic is “virtual schools”. This one fascinates me. The technology behind it is all cool and everything but look at the effect this could have on narrowing the digital divide.
What do you guys think about this?
Here in Florida we have a virtual school program called “Florida Virtual Schools”. Since its inception there have been numerous programs popping up nation wide. So why aren’t we hearing a lot about it. We hear a lot about vouchers, magnet schools, no child left behind and other options developed to give our children the best educational opportunities possible but we hear very little about this new viable option that is proving succesful here in Florida.
This program was started back in 1997 for the purpose of providing the same level of education to students in rural and high-minority districts as other districts. Last year 60 percent of the students from this program were minorities.
So what do the candidates say about these programs?
Barak doesn’t believe in it; in fact, he referred to most online schooling programs as “for-profit” organizations that would squander the money of tax payers. McCain says he will allocate $750 million to building both public and charter virtual schools. Now, I won’t go into my political ideology but I will tell you that I am big on education and on providing diverse options for quality education. This option is not one for all but it is one for those who can learn better at their own pace.
In my personal opinion this option can do more for shrinking the digital divide than any of the other more traditional options so I am all for it.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
In Houston, we are providing technical support for workshops that encourage public school teachers and students to participate in Second Life
This wildly popular virtual world and others will continue grow in popularity. The uses for learning in virtual worlds has extended beyond educational efforts. Companies are recruiting, artists are holding events and non-profit orgs are strengthening awareness campaigns.
Future growth will mainly be due to rising education costs and constraining social issues, particularly for adults (ex-felons, etc) seeking jobs and self-improvement.
Giving the formerly-incarcerated an opportunity is enough for me to support the use of virtual educations.
August 20th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Second Life is a great forum and outlet for people around the world, but I had never thought of using it as an educational tool. Very interesting and promising.
An alternate reality where you can be anything or anyone you want to be is something that just a few years ago was thought of as science fiction, but today it is a reality. When combining these new worlds with students and teachers, or as you said, the formerly incarcerated, it could open doors in the real world so much wider.
With not only the rising education costs, but the rising transportation costs, the social issues, and the list goes on Virtual Schools and the world’s in which they exist are going to be essential in the coming years.
Thanks again Akil. We really appreciate your input.