What is a Virtual School?

<p>What started out at many schools as correspondence courses, completed via mail, have turned into virtual schools that provide distance education opportunities using technologically advanced online delivery systems. In a virtual school environment, students are able to communicate with teachers and other students over the Internet. Communication among participants may be enabled in a variety of ways, including using systems such as Blackboard or WebCT. Depending on the program, coursework may be delivered by: </p> <ul><li>E-mail </li><li>Video conferencing </li><li>DVD </li><li>Printed materials </li><li>Telephone </li><li>Web conferencing </li></ul><p>Courses may also be delivered in a manner that requires students to be present at certain days and times (synchronous) or may be self-paced, allowing students to complete work at their convenience (asynchronous). Depending on the program, students may or may not have access to instructors and tutors to help them with their work. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutVirtualSchools">Important Facts About Virtual Schools</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Common Courses </td><td> Depending on the program; most degrees are offered online</td></tr> <tr><td> Programs </td><td> Distance learning-based with computer courses</td></tr> <tr><td> Degree/Certificate Levels </td><td> All types (undergraduate and graduate)</td></tr> <tr><td> Continuing Education </td><td> Licensure or certification for a career may be obtained online.</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---AdvantagesAndDisadvantagesOfAVirtualSchool">Advantages and Disadvantages of a Virtual School</h3> <p>There are many advantages and disadvantages to completing coursework through a virtual school. Ultimately, which one is best for you depends on your personal preference. </p> <h3 id="section---Advantages">Advantages</h3> <p>Some of the advantages of a virtual school include its flexibility. Additionally, there is no need to travel to a classroom. Aside from the convenience, students are also able to work at their own pace while participating in programs that may otherwise be unavailable due to location or scheduling. Reduced cost is another advantage, since students don't have to pay for room and board. </p> <h3 id="section---Disadvantages">Disadvantages</h3> <p>Virtual schools also have disadvantages, such as requiring self-discipline on the part of the student in order to complete coursework. Students must also have access to a personal computer equipped with a high-speed Internet connection. Additionally, students enrolled in a virtual school miss out on the benefits and social interactions campus life can provide.</p>