A virtual learning program should launch with success as an expectation and properly prepare for that to occur. This means allowing sufficient time between approval and launch for hiring; training staff, teachers, parents, and students; process implementation; policy establishment; and all of the other ingredients required for a school to open.
The foundation for success is built long before the first day of school, and it cannot be built while school is in session; otherwise, the external pressures become too great—and the Band-Aid approach takes over.
3. Invest in teachers.
Even in the world of virtual learning, the teacher/student relationship is still the most critical one. I recently wrote about this in one of my blog posts, but to summarize here: Virtual learning programs must equip, support, and empower teachers to fulfill their roles.
Equip teachers with the proper tools to engage students and interact with them. Support the teachers with the necessary in-depth training and development. Follow this up with ongoing training that extends beyond regular professional development, and support them with resources that will allow them to focus on their role. Then, empower them to guide, to adapt when necessary, and to inspire the students under their care.
In essence, a virtual learning program should focus its attention on inspiring teachers if it expects teachers to inspire their students.
The time for reimagining virtual learning is here. Tweaking what is in existence will not have the desired impact, but we do not need to throw out the concept. Instead, we need to rebuild with a new blueprint.
Houston C. Tucker is owner, founder, and “chief fig” of Figment Consulting, a firm that specializes in building a remarkable experience within online and blended learning. His blog can be found here.
- Viewpoint: Time to reimagine virtual learning - October 27, 2014