Distance+Learning+Forum+-+Challenges+and+Opportunites

Scott Cloud - Social Studies Support Center Supervisor - Virtual Virginia Cheryl Estep - Social Studies Online Instructor - Virtual Virginia Matthew McCarty - Social Studies Online Instructor - Virtual Virginia
 * Expectations for Virtual Virginia online teachers:
 * 40 hours of Virtual Office Hours per week
 * Manage students in block and yearlong classes responding to local calendars and start dates
 * Provide upkeep and maintenance in their courses and in sme cases develop course content
 * At least one significant, meaningful conversation with each student each month
 * Grade and return student work in 24 hours
 * Create and use rich media including synchronous review sessions
 * Benefits of being an online teacher
 * No extra duties
 * Cutting edge of technology, so teacher continues to learn
 * Frequent interactions with every student, which is MORE than in a traditional setting
 * More actual teaching time than in a traditional class in a "tutorial" setting
 * Work from the comfort of home or any other sight of choice (where Internet access is available)
 * Allows flexibility of schedule
 * Challenges of being an online teacher
 * Typically, many more students in each course than in traditional schools
 * "Counseling" students and parents 24 hours a day: more time invested in communication of all types
 * More preparation time for lessons, multimedia elements, etc.
 * Technology needs to be dependable. May need to contact outside contractor for ISP issues or school system technical support for hardware or software issues.
 * Time comparison study [|http://westga.edu]