Virtual Schools

In class on (3/29) a teacher/representative came in from Wisconsin Virtual Schools to talk to us about online virtual school for kid’s k-12.  This virtual school is not only for students with disabilities but also any students that feel the need to move faster than in a classroom or maybe they don’t like the social setting of going to school at a brick and mortar school.  It was a very interesting presentation since I never knew this existed that we could do all of our schooling through the computer.  I’ve taken one online class so far in college and I don’t mind it, it’s very convenient and suitable for some people.  But on the other hand it lacks interaction and face to face communication with the professor which can be tricky in some instances.  He mentioned multiple times that this school based through a computer is great for some people but not for everyone.  The gentleman covered everything you need to know about the virtual school from how to enroll through actually showing us certain courses he is teaching as of right now.  The biggest advantage to virtual schools is having the ability to move at a pace that you are comfortable with.  It gives you the time you need to process information and accomplish tasks needed.  It doesn’t give you the pressure of being in a social setting with classmates pushing you at a faster pace than you are comfortable with.  He seemed to stress a lot how flexible they are with student’s schedules which I thought was pretty cool.  For example is a student likes to sleep in and focuses well in the afternoon to supper time, that will be the time when they have class.  Virtual schools give you freedom to control when you want and feel most confident learning. 

Towards the end of the class period he handed out IEP’s to each group to look at and become familiarized with.  An IEP is and individualized Education Plan.  Each student has one of these explaining their interests and strengths along with what to watch out for along with their disability if they have one to be able to form a plan suitable for them specifically.  When each of the groups received one we had to think of five recreational activities we might plan to do with our student based of their care plan on the strengths and weakness.  This activity gave us a hands on experience, learning how to read about someone and how to implement activities that will help them learn and grow.  Here is their website for more information:  http://wisconsinvl.net/about-wvl/