How Virtual Schools Can Get Real Results

Julie Young offers her insights into how distance learning can work best for teachers and students.

• By Christopher Piehler
• 01/28/13

Since the Florida Virtual School (FLVS) opened its virtual doors in 1997, online learning has gone from cutting-edge to commonplace. The question for educators is no longer "How do we do this?" but rather "How do we do this better?" FLVS President and CEO Julie Young shared her lessons learned with T.H.E. Journal.

Christopher Piehler: From your experience, what would you say are some of your "best practices" for virtual learning?

Julie Young: In the 15 years FLVS has been serving students, we have continually focused on how to improve the art and science of delivering a high-quality, innovative education to our students. The FLVS leadership team has actually compiled a list of expert opinions on lessons learned. Topics range from having an ongoing system for consistent communication to valuing open discussions with team members on how to improve systems. 

Piehler: How do you train and support teachers who teach online?

Young: Training begins from day one through "Transformations" (new-employee training) and continues throughout a teacher's career with FLVS. The Florida Virtual School Professional Learning System uses a holistic approach that includes staff participation in Core (i.e.: required) Training, Functional Training, Professional Training, and Contributory Training.

This hierarchical structure is designed to encourage continued professional growth and learning for each team member. The system utilizes the Bloom's Taxonomy model and supports learning opportunities that make a positive impact on student achievement. The FLVS multi-tiered strategy provides a progressive approach to skill-development and knowledge acquisition designed to promote improved instructional effectiveness, student engagement, and student results.

In addition, FLVS has a mentor program, in which each instructor is assigned a mentor who helps him or her navigate through that first year.

Julie Young is President and CEO of Florida Virtual School (FLVS), the nation's largest K-12 online program. Her presentation at FETC 2013 is titled "How Online Courses Allow For Connected Learning Environments." Attendees will see how using technology, collaboration, and a student-centered approach to learning provides the skills a 21st-century student needs. They will also have the opportunity to see a teacher in action, using collaborative technology to provide a live lesson for her students.

Piehler: What do you see as the advantage and pitfalls of blended learning?

Young: The advantage of blended learning is the combination of high-quality, technology-based education and face-to-face learning. For example, in the FLVS Virtual Learning Lab (VLL) model, students have the advantage of engaging online curriculum that can be accessed at school or at home, with a teacher available online from morning to night, as well as a facilitator in their building during the school day providing support. The VLL model allows schools to round out their curriculum, maximize computer labs, meet class size restrictions, and promote 21st-century skills.

A potential pitfall would be a student who wants to continue working on his or her course at home, but does not have the technological resources to do so.

Piehler: What would you cite as examples of excellence in virtual and blended learning?

Young: The VLLs are the product of a partnership between FLVS and individual Florida school districts. Schools provide a computer lab and facilitator. FLVS provides the curriculum and a certified instructor, who guides students through the course and provides ongoing instruction and feedback. Students attend a lab during the school day and are free to work on their online class anywhere at any time.

The VLL furthers the FLVS mission to provide high-quality, technology-based education to all students, regardless of typical barriers. For example, our VLLs in the Miami-Dade school district serve a population of students who normally would not have access to a 21st-century education.

Piehler: What's next for virtual learning?

Young: Virtual education has always been considered a disruptive innovation that is now becoming more mainstream. FLVS is moving towards a learning platform that focuses on personalized course design, champions high engagement and achievement, and normalizes mastery-based learning.

Student advancement will no longer be based on "seat time" in a classroom, but on demonstrated competency and mastery of a subject. This shift allows a student to accelerate his or her learning or, if needed, take more time to master the concept.