The Teaching and Learning in K-12 Virtual Schools course is where I gained appreciation of a different environment of DE and E-learning beyond higher education and business organizations. I learned about National and State policies and practices for K-12 virtual education, and gained a deep understanding of the current state of K-12 virtual education and the ways in which it is poised to grow in the coming years. I learned how DE and E-learning is used in K-12 schools, the planning and components that are required, particular populations that may benefit most from it, and the methods and models by which it may be blended with traditional face-to-face K-12 education.

Artifact 1

This assignment enabled me to gain a solid introductory understanding of K-12 virtual schools. By working on the assignment I learned about K-12 virtual education with regards to fulltime vs. supplemental elearning, reach of elearning programs, curricula, delivery options, access and equity, type of instruction, type of student, special education populations, instructional design, teachers, and cost. In addition to the detailed knowledge I gained, I was able to compare and contrast the K-12 segment of distance education, with higher education and corporate training segments that I’d learned about before. This furthered my excitement about distance education and left me with the firm impression that DE has a place in every segment of education and training, and will continue to grow and evolve.

Artifact 2

For this assignment, I performed a case study of a specific K-12 virtual school and provided a power point presentation of the results. This research allowed me to gain a deeper appreciation of K-12 virtual education and gain practical knowledge. Specifically, I gained an overview of the school, regulatory environment, curriculum and scope of offerings, instruction, socialization, policy, government support, diversity of student body, clubs and extracurricular activities, sports, flexibility and choice, reasons why families choose the school, money matters, graduation, and satisfaction ratings. Gaining this deeper understanding of K-12 virtual education was exciting, for I was learning about an entire segment of distance education that was new to me. I delved deeper into my research in order to learn more.

EDTC 650 Ghofrani2-Virtual School Case Study

Artifact 3

For the last assignment, I took what I had learned before and with additional research and thinking prepared a proposal for a K-12 virtual school. I had learned about the status of K-12 virtual education in the US, and ironically enough discovered that my own State of Maryland is significantly behind in many states in K-12 virtual education. Acting as a consultant I summarized K-12 virtual school status in the US and the county, proposed a model for K-12 virtual school in the county, addressed student population, curriculum, assessment and continuous improvement, student support, professional development, funding, and policy. I then prepared a short audio recording where I succinctly described the benefits of the K-12 virtual school. This assignment allowed me to use my research for a practical need in my own community.

EDTC 650 Ghofrani3- Part1- Virtual School Consultant Project