Virtual Schools
I recently read an article in District Administration magazine about virtual schools. Because the class I took last semester was all about virtual school and because I am completing most of my graduate work in a virtual format, the article naturally caught my eye. The article was entitled "Creating an Effective Virtual School Program." Anyone familiar with virtual schools in the U.S. has probably heard about the Florida Virtual School. It is by far the "model" virtual school that others look at when measuring success. "Why ramble on about virtual schools?" you might be thinking right now. Well, without boring you with 100 reasons why I think distance education is the best thing since sliced bread, I want to leave you with a quote from the article.
If it's not working, change it. "One of the things we believe very strongly is that if something isn't working, change it," says Julie Young, president and CEO of the Florida Virtual School.
Time and time again, the article quotes those in the field of virtual education and the need for flexibility. I admit that one of my weaknesses as a teacher is that my logical and math-minded personality does not always give me as much flexibility as I would like. I tend to 'come up with a plan' and go for it. The more I teach, the more I realize the need to be flexible on a daily basis. I've seen this come into play this semester with CI505 as well. Ann asked for pros and cons of 505 around midterm with the plan of making changes if need be. Similarly, she had to change the way our software reviews were to be done due to the weather canceling our second face to face meeting. Kudos to everyone involved with this semester's class, my peers, Ann and Clyciane for doing such a great job at being flexible. Until next time...