Virtual Classrooms
Stories about the technology associated with learning in a virtual space, as opposed to a physical classroom. Stories involve video conference software and online educational programs that are becoming increasingly common in both K-12 school districts and institutions of higher education.
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When a student can acquire a four-year degree in just weeks of online classes, it no longer signals to employers that they can show up on time, read and write, and manage sustained effort within institutional structures. -
Opened last year as part of the Montana Digital Academy, a lab at the University of Montana conducts AI training events and incorporates evolving tech like AI and virtual reality into schools where it makes sense.
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Educators moved quickly in the pandemic era to scale access to virtual learning — but governance, accountability and data systems have not kept pace. A patchwork of models and standards complicates solutions.
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Out-of-state vendors can sign up for Texas Education Freedom Accounts if they have a license to do business in the state. Experts say the law leaves a gray area for out-of-state schools that join as online vendors.
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An ed-tech company is offering online after-school courses for students in grades K-6 featuring project-based, standards-aligned curriculum focused on topics like STEAM, civic engagement and life skills.
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Simulation platforms like BranchED are emerging as a modality for teacher training, using avatars and large language models to replicate student behavior and give teachers practice dealing with classroom situations.
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The Montana Digital Academy Teacher Hall of Fame's inaugural class includes eight teachers who stood out in the state's online academy, which supplements middle and high school courses particularly for rural schools.
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Workforce opportunities and a desire for practical career development are driving Colorado college students to online classes and certificate programs in fields like cybersecurity and automotive technology.
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Artificial intelligence is causing college instructors to move more meaningful examinations back to the classroom, and connect the dots with students on why learning matters.
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An online learning program at Willmar Public Schools in Minnesota is helping students stay on track even if they can't attend classes in person, for example because immigration enforcement makes them feel unsafe.
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Under state law, New Jersey public school students must be in classrooms for the day to be counted, with exceptions for when schools are closed more than three consecutive days due to a declared state of emergency.
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Remote learning days have been unavoidable due to severe weather, but Buffalo school officials say the district still has issues with device access and inconsistent rules that beg for a more organized strategy.
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Indiana State University’s new Sycamore Grove platform aims to give online learners a centralized space for peer connection and academic support as enrollment in remote learning programs booms.
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The 2026 Technology Innovation and LEAD Awards recognized K-12 districts and leaders for systemwide technology initiatives touching everything from blended learning to AI training and school board collaboration.
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On the lasting impact of remote learning on students’ education, some educators say they now recognize the importance of limiting time on laptops and building closer relationships with their students.
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Spending critical high school years online left many students unprepared for college, both academically and socially. Those setbacks have been compounded by lowered grading standards and emerging technologies like AI.
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About 500,000 students across more than 1,100 schools in New York City had online classes Monday, after schools stress-tested the technology and prepared their virtual classrooms in anticipation of inclement weather.
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Faced with falling enrollment and a growing budget deficit, United Independent School District is expanding its early college program and preparing to offer a virtual high school program, open to any student in Texas.
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With Coursera’s network of university and industry leaders and Udemy’s network of subject-matter experts, the two online learning platforms will create one larger company focused on in-demand skills in fields like AI.
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The Louisiana Department of Education is using a five-year $15 million federal grant to connect about 4,500 first- and second-grade students to live video tutors through Air Reading.
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Encouraged by a new state law that endorses hybrid and online schooling, Northside Independent School District is looking for a vendor to help start a virtual school next fall.
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