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.
The nearly 205-year-old school in West Hartford, Conn. is offering online bilingual courses in English, mathematics, science and social studies to deaf children worldwide, ages 12 to 16, supplementary to other schooling.
Some Bay Area parents tried to recall the Cupertino school board president last year over virtual learning, while others are now demanding that schools bring it back to keep their kids safe as COVID-19 persists.
While some students feel ill-served or short-changed by virtual learning, the state’s 15 public universities expect those options to expand in the coming years as other students demand flexibility.
A new report from the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation says AR/VR programs could bring new lessons to students across grade levels, given the requisite investments to spur adoption and research.
Owensboro Community & Technical College is using a grant from the National Science Foundation to create a virtual reality-based training program for higher-education students in advanced manufacturing.
The state of Illinois has asked school districts to submit plans for teaching students remotely in the event of hazardous weather or other emergencies, potentially reducing disruption and make-up days.
The South Carolina school district is switching to virtual lessons after a surge in COVID-19 cases included dozens of students in the first week. Nearby, Beaufort County schools counted hundreds of cases in that time.
As school districts across Texas finalize their enrollment numbers for the new year, many are finding a decline due to parents keeping their kids home, awaiting mask mandates or online learning options.
With most students in virtual classes three days a week last year, and 20 percent of students all-virtual, Eau Claire High School saw a drop in As and increase in Fs which principals attribute to remote learning.
The Capital Area Online Learning Association and its system for enrolling students in full-time or part-time classes online is taking off in Pennsylvania, offering more electives and career pathways programs.
