Presentation arguing for the adoption of Virtual Schooling in a school district as an option for credit recovery.

1. Virtual Schools for
Credit Recovery
A’KENA LONGBENTON
PETE WILHELM
IT 6230
4.10.12

2. Welcome Avatar on Online Learning
http://www.voki.com/mywebsite.php
● Click on the above link
● Once opened, under the image, click the “play” icon.

3. What is Virtual Schooling?
“…instruction via a web-based educational delivery system that includes
software to provide a structured learning environment (Watson, J. F., Murin,
A., Vashaw, L., Gemin, B., & Rapp, C. 2011).“
Types of Virtual Schooling
● Online instruction can be teacher-led over A virtual environment. Strong
technological skills are necessary on the part of both student and teacher.
● Blended instruction has some face-to-face instruction and online
instruction.
● Teacher-facilitated learning puts the teacher in the role of coach and guide
as the student directs their learning.
● Self-paced learning is done by the student with little to no guidance from
an online instructor.

4. Virtual Schooling as a Credit
Recovery Option
Online programs vary and their goals related to credit recovery
and at-risk students vary with each online program. Watson and
Gemin (2008) indicate that the programs are often focused on
one or more of the following:
● Help students make up credits to meet graduation
requirements
● ƒƒMeet graduation deadlines
● ƒƒPrepare students for state exams
● ƒƒGet dropout students back in school
● ƒƒProvide educational equity for all students
● ƒƒMeet budgetary concerns while trying to serve all students

5. Credit Recovery In-Practice
Watson, J., & Gemin, B. (2008) Promising practices in online learning: Using online learning for
at-risk students and credit recovery
Aldine Independent Schools, Texas
A school district adds an online component to provide an alternative to the
classroom for at-risk students
Florida Virtual School
Credit recovery courses delivered by a state-led supplemental program
Jackson School District, Alternative School, Jackson, Michigan
Using online content to increase course options within the Alternative School
Online Learning Programs, Los Angeles Unified School District, CA
Credit recovery courses offered by a large school district in a blended
environment

6. Virtual School Benefits
● Virtual schools will allow our at-risk students to
graduate timely with their peers.
● These courses can be taken in a hybrid
environment—online independence and during the
school day.

7. Wrap Around System
“All Hands on Deck”
● Board of Education
● Principal
● Counselor
● Online Teacher
● Local Teacher
● Technology Specialist
● Students
● Parents

8. Virtual School Benefits
Below are resources in support of virtual schooling. Please browse them with an open
mind to see virtual school benefits for our students.
● Included in the below website are benefits of virtual schools and myths debunked.
http://new.sisdvs.org/benefits-virtual-school.php
● Below is a scholarly paper on virtual schools as presented at an annual Distance
Teaching and Learning conference. http://www.uwex.
edu/disted/conference/Resource_library/proceedings/03_71.pdf
●
● This link below is an article which discusses how the advantages outweigh the
disadvantages of virtual schooling. http://www.college-university-directory.
com/internet_5.html
● National Overview of Virtual School Benefits
●