Moving Forward Through Education by Maria

Moving Forward Through Education by Maria - February 2018 Scholarship Essay

The world, as we know it, is always revolutionizing. Whether it is in terms of technology, the government system, the economy, or even people themselves, society is changing far faster than humanity has ever expected. Inclusively, the education system that students and teachers are using is currently evolving. Ten years ago, Blackboard Collaborate didn’t exist, and neither did Smartboards nor Elmo projectors. Soon enough, the education system will be completely different from its previous form, innovative and still reaching for more change. The use of a virtual school system via an online network could be an integral part of the education system in the future, which could greatly benefit both students and educators alike.

The use of a virtual school system allows for the individual pacing of students and teachers. As students progress through the courses necessary, they are allowed the more independence, conceding them the choice between which courses to take on whichever days, and peruse freely throughout the curriculum, all while following a schedule assigned by the teacher (though they can choose between a faster pace – which finishes around 16 weeks – or a slower pace – which finishes around 24 weeks), and having to submit work weekly to count for their attendance. This system aids students in their accustoming to college studies, as college-bound students have to study independently, and later review with their instructor and classmates. This increased liberty given to the alumni helps increase their responsibility over their own coursework, with the support of their parents and teachers, but permits them to take full ownership of their work and grades. In addition, teachers in the virtual school system have a more flexible schedule, allowing them to choose when to grade work, and when to deliver calls and other important errands.

Another benefit of this virtual system, is that students and teachers can all work from the security of their homes. With the rates of crime and shootings constantly threatening to rise, many people leave their homes, with the constant fear nagging at the back of their minds. They can no longer come out of their homes, sure that they will make it back. But with the school system, teachers and students can safely work from their familiar environment, comfortable yet still accomplishing their respectable duties. With this in mind, since these hard workers no longer have to commute as much to accomplish their daily work, they won’t rely as much on transportation, saving money in their wallets, and lowering the emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, helping the eco-system indirectly.

This virtual system also helps improve the technology dexterity of both children and adults, which is much needed in this every-increasing world of technology. Since this virtual system will be through the connection of Internet, teachers and students are obliged to use computers or laptops to access their coursework. This, in turn, helps accustom the users to learn about technology, and how to use it, including the various softwares (Microsoft Word Document, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet browsers, etc.) used in the learning processes. This experience will help further down the line, whether it is in the workforce, as a college student, or just in the average adult life, the effort will pay.

Although students will be limited in their exposure to a social atmosphere, seeing as they will be working from home, there are many other methods of acquiring socialization skills, besides a physical school setting. There are options such as youth groups in religious communities, or youth community centers and clubs, such as the YMCA. The acquiring of socialization skills has been narrowed down and made equivalent to going to a public or private school, when there are so many other options to choose from. The only thing that is needed is to look for these opportunities.

The virtual school atmosphere is deeply enriching, and somewhat satisfying, when in the end the student realizes that all the progress they have made was by their own effort. This vital aspect of the learning society has already initialized, in the forms of many virtual school across the nation, such as Florida Virtual School and Broward Virtual. Thanks to these new institutions and methods of acquiring education, a new vision can be set for learning, and many doors can be opened to innovative, and impacting opportunities.