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Cyberschool is an innovative and relatively new type of public school which offers many things similar to a traditional school day and more.
Cyberschool isn’t too different from traditional school. It still has most of the features that public school students know and enjoy, only with a technological twist. Virtual meeting rooms are used to interact with teachers and peers. Meeting rooms are also used for virtual lessons. Lessons are not entirely computer-based, however. Each lesson features video instruction, pages to read in a tangible textbook, and printable assessments. Electives, such as foreign languages, are taken in the same manner, with online projects that are completed without the help of a computer. School field trips are also organized, usually through e-mails or message boards. These field trips are usually limited to locations throughout the state in which the school is centered.
While cyberschool is similar to public school, there are also a few drastic differences. The most obvious of all is the use of the computer. Lessons are organized on an online planner, and tests and projects are submitted online. In addition to textbooks, e-books can be used for reading material as well. Another change is the addition of a learning coach – typically a parent or guardian who helps guide students through their schoolwork and keeps them on schedule. Learning coaches work alongside teachers to optimize their students’ learning experience.
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For many reasons, cyberschool is appealing to many students. Takoda Newkirk, a 12-year-old from Bradford, decided to make the change in first grade. Newkirk is an advanced student and said he wanted a better education than what was available to him. His decision was for the better; Newkirk, now an eighth-grade student at Commonwealth Connections Academy Cyber School, said that he likes almost everything about his school. Using the flexible schedule to his advantage, Takoda tries to get as much done as he can during the day, while also taking breaks occasionally, including for lunch. He also balances out his learning in cyberspace and reality by equally using his textbooks and e-books. Overall, Takoda described his experience as “very positive” and looks forward to taking advantage of some electives in the high school years.
There are many features in cyberschool that attract students, but they aren’t the only people that are drawn to it. Teachers from all backgrounds decide to take the job, whether they just started teaching or are making the switch from a traditional school. One such teacher that made the change is Mrs. Christine Pulizzi of South Williamsport. She has taught for a total of 8 years, but just 2 of them were in a traditional brick-and-mortar school.
“I was intrigued by the opportunity and idea of cyberschool,” said Pulizzi, “meeting students’ needs in a way very different than what is done in a bricks and mortar school.”
The eighth-grade social studies teacher said she prefers this position over her previous. “I think that I can reach my students on a different level and facilitate their learning in such a way that each child has a higher chance of success. The instruction is more individualized,” she said, “and I have seen many students thrive in the cyber setting.”
Cyberschool may seem like a breeze, but it isn’t all fun and games. There are some downsides to virtual learning. Bethany Longstreth of West Finley decided to try cyberschool in tenth grade. “I liked that I got to stay home and work at my own pace,” said Longstreth. However, she also said, “I was easily distracted and it was boring being home by myself.” Eventually, Bethany began to struggle with some classes and started to miss her friends. Bethany is now a senior at McGuffey High School in Claysville.
Cyberschool is a fresh new approach on learning. For some students, virtual learning is the path that is best for them. For others, it isn’t the best choice for their personal needs. Everyone has a different method of learning, and certain kinds of students are more suited to cyberschool than others. There are many choices to consider when it comes to education, but now, with this evolution in learning, cyberschool has joined this roster of options.
