3-2-1 Reflection

This blog will be discussing a reflection on virtual learning. We've learned that virtual learning, online learning, online education, or distance education as "institution based, formal education where the learning group is separated, and where interactive telecommunications systems are used to connect learners, resources, and instructors (Simonson, Smaldino, Zvacek, 2015, p. 6). As I reflect on this topic I can see how virtual learning has been implemented into our school districts, colleges, businesses, and jobs. Over the years and it has become a necessity and educators are meeting the demands of online learning through implementation of distance education throughout their districts.

Through my review of sample school district policies and other literature that provided details on online learning, I learned and was surprised about 3 things: (1) Alabama has a fully accredited online school within the Athens City School district, (2) there is an actual state law,(https://web.alsde.edu/legislativebills/2015Regular/SB0072_ENACTED.pdf ) that school districts must have a distance education program, (3) and students are able to take an online class for credit in their respective districts but may be taught by teachers from another school district.

Athens City School district, in response to the legislature that was passed, created a fully online school for students K-12. This school was developed for students throughout the entire state that may want a more flexible option for school. I was surprised in learning that this was designed and implemented in school year 2016-2017. In learning about this, I created an infograhic that briefly describes how Athens Renaissance School , https://www.k12.com/content/fts/athens/en.html, was developed: (see below)

Creating an online & blended public school by Jessica Bynum Continuing on with my reflection, there were two things that I was concerned with regarding online learning, (1) some school district school policies were not very specific or defined, and (2) how/ when course would be evaluated and how often programs would be reviewed for effectiveness. "Policy development and implementation is an important topic to be addressed when an organization considers distance courses and programs" (Simonson et al, 2015, p. 287). I was concerned in reading some policies that did not completely outline their mission and purpose and not enough specifics in student/ parents responsibility. They were written in accordance to the passed legislature but not specifics for the district. The text states the following areas should be covered in a distance education policy:

• "Governance and Administration of the Distance Education/ Online Learning Program
• Academic Policies
• Quality Control
• Faculty-Related Issues
• Student-Related Policies
• Fiscal Issues
• Legal Issues
• Library Policy
• Policy on Acceptable Use of IT Resources" (Smaldino et al, 2015, p. 290).

In addition to those areas I learned, and those that were concerning, there is one question I have regarding virtual learning. Will all districts receive the same type of funding, technology, and resources statewide? I think this will be important for schools to maintain, sustain, and grow as technology continues to advance and be used in virtual learning. "Distance education is expensive", (Simonson et al, 2015, p. 296), and something I think administrators should consider as they continue to plan for future online learning.


Resources:
Alabama SB72: https://web.alsde.edu/legislativebills/2015Regular/SB0072_ENACTED.pdf

Athens City Schools: https://www.k12.com/content/fts/athens/en.html

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., & Zvacek, S. (2015). Teaching and learning at a distance (6th ed.). Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing, Inc..