Virtual Schools and Programs

Development Overview

Virtual learning is a type of distance learning where the Internet is used to transmit lessons. The first distance learning in the United States used the postal service for submitting coursework, typically referred to as a correspondence course. This type of course has been in place since the early 1900s. In this model, students would typically review material in a textbook and complete some type of written assignment without aid from an instructor. That assignment would then be mailed to the teacher who would grade it, provide feedback, and mail it back to the student. This was a slow process because one had to wait for the postal service to deliver the assignment two ways. In the meantime, the student could either work ahead without having received feedback, or wait and slow down coursework even further. As radio, television, and VHS tapes were introduced, these new technologies were used to deliver content from teachers. Students would then submit assignments by mail much as they had previously. Fax machines did offer an opportunity to rapidly submit work and receive feedback from instructors but could be cost prohibitive depending on the long-distance phone charges and number of pages required. Because of the delays, the correspondence course method was used primarily as a last resort for those with geographical barriers preventing them from physically attending classes at an institution.

As computers and e-mail became more mainstream in the early 1990s, correspondence courses began to take advantage of the new technology. The pedagogical layout remained similar, but now the time to transmit assignments and receive feedback was drastically reduced. E-mail also offered a free and rapid way for the student and teacher to communicate. This meant that students could now more easily ask questions of their instructors before submitting assignments. Because K–12 instruction typically relies on more interaction between student and teacher, this e-mail format was used primarily in higher education.

...