What is Cyber Schooling?

Hey Bob, appreciate the info you give, it's helped me in Windows and Linux, I think I pick your brain on a daily basis and you're good! I work at a major New England University in tech support and let me tell you, this school is pushing Distance Ed more than ever and I find that there are a whole slew of folks that SHOULD NOT BE TAKING ONLINE COURSES!! I am amazed at the calls and emails we get from all ages and all levels of intelligence and I swear that most of these folks WANT us to do their work for them... Keep up the good work, you Rock Bob!!

Bob, our daughter has been in a local public school "virtual school" program for the last two years. She takes her "core" classes at home, and has the option to take two electives at the school building. She is in VS because she has multiple health issues, and by going VS, she can not only keep up with her class (and graduate with her friends) but she also can still see her friends a couple of hours every day.

Your previous commenter was correct - VS is NOT for everyone. You have to be at least somewhat computer savvy, and you have to be able to work independently, and be able to speak out when you have a question or need help.

Having said that, it has been a true blessing for our daughter. Your Mileage May Vary!

I completed my Master's Degree through a Big 12 university last May. I never had to set foot on campus. We used a web cam for some face time
but never even met anyone related to the program in person.

I was also able to use several electronic textbooks where I could buy a chapter at a time which saved me quite a bit of money as we didn't use all of the chapters.

I just retired from secondary education. Most teachers don't believe that cyber school is here to stay and will grow beyond their wildest imagination. I think the future of public K-12 education will definitely include on line classes, due to cost. It will be poorly done if it is done only to increase student/teacher ratios and save money. If it is done to supplement the current class offerings, then great! I also agree that cyber school a wonderful way for "alternative" students to achieve success and get on with their lives.

Our 16 year old son has been in cyber school with Advanced Academics Institute through our public school system for the past three years, since eighth grade. Since he was accidentally enrolled in high school classes while in 8th grade, he is almost a year ahead of his age cohort and could graduate early if he wished to. I agree with your first poster, that cyber school is not for everyone. That being said, however, it has worked fabulously well for our son, who was being bullied by both students and teaching staff at the public school on a regular basis. He had gotten to a point where even the sheltered classroom, which didn't provide adequate challenge for his exceptionally bright mind, was no protection against the bullying. When this program was proposed by his counselor we jumped at it, since the next step would have been a private residential setting that we felt was the wrong choice for him. Things were that dire. It's been great, though: he has consistently maintained a high "A" average, has scored at or above the 90th %ile in all annual standardized tests, and scored in the 85th %ile on the PSAT as a sophomore. The teachers are available and interested in his questions and concerns, and have been exceptionall supportive. His CP, dysgraphia, blocking stammer, and speech impediment are irrelevant in the cyber school environment, and life is much better without the depression and anxiety caused by the suffering at school. He stays in touch with friends on his terms, and is much happier. He's looking forward to college and has received dozens of invitations to apply -- even though he is just entering his junior year -- because of his exceptional performance. Cyber school has been extremely effective for us.

Does cyber school have a fee through out the year. Because we can not afford an expesive one.