Description
Virtual schools are a result of widespread changes in knowledge about learning, in available technology and in society. Virtual schooling is growing in popularity and will continue to attract students because of the benefits it offers over traditional schooling. Stakeholders in virtual schools need information to guide their decisions. For the foreseeable future, virtual schools will continue to meet diverse student needs, and to evolve in response to further change. Development and Management of Virtual Schools: Issues and Trends brings together knowledge of virtual schools as a reference for scholars and other groups involved in virtual schools. The chapters review best practice from concept and development, through implementation and evaluation.
Reviews and Testimonials
Virtual schools offer many benefits to students not the least of which is flexibility. While teachers' hours are also flexible, their availability to students is greater than in a traditional school. This book provides an excellent in-depth view into the special needs of virtual school teaching, curriculum from a distance and remote administration. The chapters are timely, pertinent and well documented.
– Alice Ray Overstreet, Florida Learning Alliance, USA
Development and Management of Virtual Schools: Issues and Trends brings together some of the early pioneers and experts in distance education to review virtual learning and its evolution over the past 10 years. The strength of this book is not only in the [content] it explores, but in its practical application as described by the practitioners involved. It is imperative that the industry continue to push forward and educate as to the benefits and challenges of this new wave of education. This book will serve as a very good reference for those who are involved in distance education as well as those who desire to learn about it.
– Julie Young, Florida Virtual School, USA
This is a valuable reference I have turned to many times. It a good source of quick, important information as well as reflection by experts. I recommend it to anyone in the business of virtual schooling.
– Dr. Jason Ohler, University of Alaska, USA
There is a good discussion too of distance learning success factors. There is also a chapter on students with additional (special) needs.
-Diana Battersby, Notschool.net, UK.
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"This book provides an international perspective on the new and growing field of virtual schooling. It also provides those who are unfamiliar with virtual schools a wide-ranging discussion of the history and current state of the movement, along with the major issues facing this growth section in K-12 schooling. It is important that scholars and practitioners of distance education come to better understand how distance education can be used to supplement and even replace traditional instruction in brick-and-mortar schools. "
– Michael Barbour, University of Georgia, USA
Author's/Editor's Biography
Catherine Cavanaugh (Ed.)
Catherine Cavanaugh is Assistant Professor in educational technology and science education at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, USA. She has been an educator in K-12 schools and higher education for 20 years. Cathy received degrees in education from the University of the Virgin Islands, the University of Central Florida and the University of South Florida, and she did postdoctoral work as Assistant Director of the Florida Center for Instructional Technology. Her current research interests include distance education in teacher education, virtual schools, technology professional development and science education with community resources. She co-authored a book for science teachers, and she has published book chapters, articles and papers on instructional technology and science education topics.