Virtual+High+School

Do I believe that Teachers should be required to obtain master’s technology certifications to be more efficient to teach virtual classes? With the technology savvy world that we live in, it is the upmost importance for teachers to hold the highest credentials necessary to give students everything possible to succeed through virtual learning. While reviewing Florida Virtual School many things came to my attention. Julie Young the Director commented on her speech regarding the responsibility of the teacher. Ms. Young stated that the benefit to the students would be that the teacher would be available for one on one tutorials assistance. Along with the teacher being their anytime for the students, it was also stated that the teacher would be    available 8am through 8pm including weekends. Their means of communication for teacher-student would be through phone, email, texting, Skype and messaging. Students access to teachers anytime. The teachers in Miami Dade are employed facilitators in class and out of class. This setup is excellent for the students. What about the demand on the teacher? Does the teacher not have another life besides teaching? While reviewing West Virginia Virtual it brought concern that it doesn’t train or give tutorials on    keyboarding, electronic communication, web browser navigation, etc. Students are required to have these skills already. The students are expected to have basic plus skills in computer literacy prior to    signing up for virtual classes. Another topic I noticed while reviewing West Virginia Virtual site is that the technology requirements change for virtual school courses. Hardware and software requirements will be    communicated through the teacher to the student. The student; would have to have a higher level of    education and experience with technological devices to be able to down load and comprehend the information given when technology changes. When I am asked if the teachers that are employed to teach virtual classes should be required to obtain a master in technology certification, I strongly say yes! Teachers having advanced certifications in    technology will set them apart from other teachers. I truly believe that a teacher must have as much education and experience, including continuing education in your specialty area to employ the greatest amount of return to your students. Our traditional classes do not change. However, the way it is taught has changed. Technology is growing fast and the teachers must be abreast of these changes. Students are learning through technical devices and teachers who have master technology certifications will be    able demonstrate good communication and instructional effectiveness compared to a teacher that do not have those credentials. The teachers through Florida Virtual School must be able to problem solve and identify situations easily at any time given to assist a student. West Virginia Virtual Schooling teachers must be able to assist the students in basic technology. There will be students who do not understand all the technology to be in the virtual schooling. Teachers will have to be certified in all aspects of technology to give the students the best possible chance for success. However, reviewing both sites doesn’t bring concern to me if the teacher should have a master’s technology certification. My concern is to the students K-12 that can have virtual learning outside of the class. It is my opinion that it can be helpful for special occasions is when a child is in the hospital for an    illness and can work on assignments or for extra college credit for advanced students. I worry that basic traditional classes are going to disappear. My concern continues to grow for the students who are learning other things beside math, science and English. Of course this may be a topic for