RSA1: Virtual Charter Schools: Pros and Cons of the Growing Trend

Link to Article: Virtual Charter Schools: Pros and Cons of the Growing Trend

When it comes to education, there has only been one viable option for both parents and students, which was public or private schooling.  Even if  parents felt that their child was not getting the best possible education due to reasons including behavioral, medical and social issues, students not being challenged enough or feelings of  hopelessness there has really been no adequate alternative.  However, this trend is now changing.  With the introduction of virtual schools, parents now have the opportunity to educate their child online with the help of fully accredited schools along with certified teachers.  According to Chen (2014), “Across the country, elementary, middle, and high school students are opting out of traditional public schools in favor of attending virtual charter schools.” (p. 1).  This idea originally started for college students, but soon spread quickly to elementary and high schools.  Currently, there are 200 online schools around the United States during the 2008-2009 school year.  Chen states (2014) that, “Experts expect this number to grow, as the K-12 online learning industry is expanding at an estimated annual pace of 30%.”  (p. 1).

After reading the articles, the one topic that was present in all four articles was social interaction.  Being able to interact with the teacher and classmates plays a big role in the development of the child.  Students that do the majority of their schooling online may not learn the social skills because there is an absence of one on one conversation. (Kaufman p. 1).  Kaufman later explains that that it is up to the parents to make sure that the child has interactions so that he does not feel alone and secluded *Kaufman p.1).  To remedy this problem, Hyo-Jeong So and Curtis J. Bonk (2010) are advocates for blended learning.  Blended learning is a combination of both traditional school mixed with online learning.  This is important because it allows the students to get crucial face to face time with teachers and other students.  (Chen p. 1).  

The online articles agree with the facts that were pros and cons in virtual education.  More social interaction with the teacher leads to students completing the required course.  Students that are having a difficult time functioning in virtual school may need face to face interaction with their teacher and fellow students.   According to Hawkins, Grahamb, Sudweeksb &

Barbourc (2013), “increased levels of quality and frequency of interaction resulted in increased student completion (Hawkins, 79).  Being able to talk to a teacher and receive immediate feedback has many advantages to it.          

References

Chen, Grace.  (2014).  Virtual Charter Schools: Pros and Cons of the Growing Trend. Retrieved     

from http://www.publicschoolreview.com/articles/170.

Hawkins, A., Graham, C. R., Sudweeks, R. R., & Barbour, M. K. (2013). Academic

Performance, Course Completion Rates, and Student Perception of the Quality and

Frequency of Interaction in a Virtual High School. Distance Education, 34(1), 64-83.

Hyo-Jeong, S., & Bonk, C. J. (2010). Examining the Roles of Blended Learning Approaches in  
Computer- Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) Environments: A Delphi Study. Journal Of Educational Technology & Society, 13(3), 189-200.

Kaufman, Clare.  (2011).  Online elementary schools: pros and cons for parents who work.  

Retrieved from

http://www.onlineschools.com/in-focus/online-elementary-schools-parents-work.