Transitioning to Cyber Education
Education is a living, breathing, growing sector of our society. It’s no surprise that in its development, education absorbed and extended itself into the cyber sector. Think carefully about your work day. How much of it entails technology? Would you be more efficient if this technology grew with you through your younger years? PA Virtual Charter school has grown and developed its cyber education program for over 20 years. It has become a leader of cyber growth and development, alongside the ever changing area of education. Let’s combine this wealth of knowledge from decades of experience and apply it to the transition from brick and mortar to the cyber education environment.
The Rise of Cyber Education
A recent article found that Pennsylvania has the largest number of students enrolled in cyber schools in the country. Roughly 60,000 Pennsylvania students are logging into their education each day. According to the National School Choice Week website, 76.6% of Pennsylvania students are enrolled in the public school system. It is thanks to School Choice that 23.4% of students can determine and divert to a form of education that fits their unique learning needs. Cyber education permits students to work at their own pace, study in an environment that meets their comfort level and prepare them for future career skills. This type of choice is an excellent demonstration of the student specific needs that must be addressed by educators.
Benefits of Cyber Education
Let’s really dive into the ways that cyber education is supporting these 60,000 students. Specifically, they provide flexibility, personalized learning, accessibility and safety. Students have the opportunity to partake in synchronous and asynchronous classes through cyber education. This permits them to work at their own pace and set a schedule that is conducive to their unique learning style. Personalized learning is provided through the teachers and software. Teachers instruct specific skills in class, while programs such as IXL, ReadingEggs and First in Math can hone in on targeted practice. Both the traditional and twenty first century modes of learning can marry and build upon one another to help a student grow and learn. We seek to ensure everything is accessible, from businesses to playgrounds. Why wouldn’t we ensure education is accessible? Students with specific physical and emotional needs benefit from the comforts of learning from home. Eliminating the stress of accessibility in their daily brick and mortar lives allows for stronger attention on studies and academics.
Challenges and Solutions
Cyber education naturally comes along with its own set of challenges. Strong, consistent internet access is imperative. If families are aware of anything that may interfere with their access to the curriculum, they must set up a backup system. This may entail using a phone as a hotspot or having a family member’s home set up as a second location. Time management is key for the virtual environment. It is imperative to keep an eye on the time and generate a routine that can be followed each day. Start by setting up your work environment with the necessary tools. Hang the daily schedule and set up class reminders using the google calendar app. Write and post your assignment due dates on a paper calendar or google calendar with at least two reminders before the due date. Another challenge can be the number of programs and login information. From 
day one, keep a journal close by with the names of the programs and login information. If your computer goes down, it takes your login information with it! By having the written logins, you can hop on a back up computer and email a teacher to update them on any challenges. Ensure that you have urls saved as well. One of the best ways to do this is to email yourself a list of links. This could include teacher email, Blackboard, IXL, and any other learning platforms.
Support Systems and Resources
Sitting at home with a laptop in front of you may feel a little isolated. You are far from alone in this cyber education journey. Cyber schools such as PA Virtual Charter School offer tech support via email and hot lines to assist with specific snags in technology. Students are assigned a Family Support Coordinator to obtain answers to academic and enrollment questions. Questions and support regarding curriculum and student achievement can be directed to teachers, vice principals and academic support professionals. School psychologists and nurses (yes, we have nurses too!) are readily available for questions and concerns that need their level of expertise. Notice your child is struggling in a specific area? The software and programs available to the students allow them to select particular strands of content to review and practice material. The K12 curriculum and IXL software are excellent examples of this standard based support. Need a social outlet? Friday outings are available at PAVCS to help students meet and greet fellow students and teachers. School clubs are still a viable option in the cyber school environment. PA Virtual Charter School offers over 30 clubs. These range from cooking and coding, to National Honors Society and Peer Leadership.
Looking Ahead
The Inquirer recently named Pennsylvania “The Cyber Capital of the Country.” That’s quite a title. It’s supported by the sheer number of students enrolling in cyber schools across the state. If you are interested in cyber education, clearly you are not alone! Cyber education is reaching a state of infinite opportunities. With the growth and development of artificial intelligence, the sky's the limit. AI can enhance teacher development and efficiency while assisting in the generation of custom curriculums. In a recent Forbes article, AI is seen as an avenue to create individualized educational material,
“This approach can foster deeper engagement with the subject matter and enhance overall academic performance.”
Schools such as PA Virtual Charter School will not stop exploring and integrating new programs to support their students. In an effort to race with the shrinking technology gap, schools must apply up to date technology that will support educational and career development.
Conclusion
What does the future of cyber education look like? Well it isn’t very dim. In fact, it has a very bright future. Your interest and research in cyber education is floating along with roughly 60,000 other individuals. All of which have made the transition from brick and mortar schools to the virtual learning environment. This switch can come from any number of reasons, but many find the comfort of home to be a relaxing atmosphere to support academic success. The transition certainly comes with its challenges. However, with preparation, planning and strong routines, these challenges will quickly fade into normal daily endeavors. Once such a transition is made, be on the lookout. Technology is evolving, right along with education!
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