2. Introduction
Virtual schools are transforming education and removing walls
and boundaries of traditional schools. This literature review
examines virtual school trend in a K-12 setting. Through the use
of peer-reviewed articles and government/corporate reports this
review will investigate the following trends in K-12 virtual
schools.
History Types of virtual schools
Purpose of virtual schools Benefits
Student Experience Challenges
3. History
The earliest form of a virtual school, which was actually an
independent study high school, emerged in the 1920’s
(Clark & Berge, 2005).
Most virtual schools across North America were focused on
the highest achievers and college bound students
(Mulcahy, 2002).
The recent history of virtual schools shows they are rapidly
changing; however, the concept of K-12 virtual schools is
still relatively new.
4. Types of Virtual Schools
Six types of virtual schools based on who operates the program (Clark &
Berge (2005) .
State funded
In 2012, Florida was the first state to offer both full and part-time
virtual schooling options to all of its students in grades K-12 (Watson et
al., 2012).
Collaborative
A combination of universities, state, and/or private schools
Charter Schools
State designated
University Based
Most are independent study or gifted/talented high schools.
Private Companies
K12 Inc. enrolls more K-12 students than any other private education
organization in the U.S. (Miron&Urschel 2012).
5. Purpose of virtual schools
Innovate way to offer an education
Offer classes that would not normally be accessible
Course credit recovery
Increase graduation rates
Meet technology requirements
6. Student Experience
In a synchronous
setting…
Students generally had
very positive
experiences and
enjoyed the
independence and
freedom that the
virtual class offered.
In an asynchronous
setting…
Students had a more
difficult time
understanding
concepts and spent
more time off-task
than completing on
task activities.
7. Benefits
Access of classes
Course recovery opportunities
Access to instructors and experiences worldwide
Decrease costs
Give students a global viewpoint
8. Challenges
Accreditation
Accreditation is a way of ensuring a quality education and
requires virtual schools to evaluate their vision, strategies,
priorities, leadership, programs, and resources (AdvancED,
2013).
Resistance to change
Resistance centers in and often succeeds in the governing
bodies of schools (Chubb, 2012).
Funding
Most of the state virtual schools are funded with a fixed
amount then supplemented with tuition often paid by
students (International Association for K-12 Online Learning,
2013).
9. Conclusion
Research shows that K-12 virtual schools are a growing
trend. It is predicted that by the year 2016, five million K-12
students will be enrolled in virtual school courses (Picciano
et al., 2012).
Virtual schools are seen as cost effective solutions to
improving graduation rates, a way to build towards college
careers, and a way to differentiate instruction (Picciano et
al., 2012).
Virtual schools will continue to grow in the 21st century, it is
necessary to evaluate and plan for their expansion and
impact on the United States education system.
10. Resources
AdvancED. (2013). What is accreditation? Retrieved from http://www.advanc-ed.org/what-accreditation.
Chubb, J. E. (2012). Overcoming the governance challenge in K-12 online learning. Creating sound policy for digital
learning. A working paper series from the Thomas B. Fordham Institute. Thomas B. Fordham Institute. Retrieved from
http://www.eric.ed.gov/PDFS/ED530433.pdf
Clark, T. & Berge, Z. (2005). Virtual schools and elearning: Planning for success. 19th Annual Conference on Distance
Education. Retrieved from http://www.uwex.edu/disted/conference/Resource_library/proceedings/03_71.pdf
International Association for K-12 Online Learning. (2013). Fast facts about online learning. Retrieved from
http://www.inacol.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/iNACOL_FastFacts_Feb2013.pdf
Mulcahy, D. M. (2002). Re-conceptualizing distance education: Implications for therural schools of Newfoundland and
Labrador. The Morning Watch,30(1-2). Retrievedfrom: http://www.mun.ca/educ/faculty/mwatch/fall02/Mulcahy.htm
Picciano, A., Seaman, J., Shea, P., & Swan, K. (n.d). Examining the extent and nature of online learning in American K-12
Education: The research initiatives of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Internet And Higher Education, 15(2), 127-135.
Watson, J., et. al. (2012). Keeping pace with K-12 online & blended learning: An annual Review of policy and practice.
Evergreen Education Group. Retrieved from http://kpk12.com/reports/
