Cyber school, just like any other school, has its pros and cons. When comparing the benefits and disadvantages, there are multiple aspects to look at. It would be easy to use your own personal experience as a reference, but it's also important to examine the demographic/statistical data on the subject.
An important statistic to look at is the comparison between brick and mortar schools, and cyber schools. Data tends to show that online learners have lessened chances for success in school, and after high school. Specifically, we can look at school performance levels. “In 2009–10, only three of the 23 fully online charter schools in Ohio, which comprised eight percent of all fully online enrollments in the state, received a state rating of “effective” or better. Among traditional public school students, 75 percent were enrolled at a school rated effective or better” (Innovation Ohio). Another statistic to look at is student dropout rates. “A study of fully online students in Minnesota found that 10 percent of 11th grade students and 25 percent of 12th grade students dropped out, compared to only one percent and three percent, respectively, statewide” (Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor). This data does show that dropout rates in virtual schools are much higher than brick and mortar schools; however, this does not deter from the fact that virtual schools have benefits. Virtual schools tend to have stricter policies that students in modern society need to adhere to. Many teenagers in brick and mortar schools have no such push, while virtual schools individually target each student's academics. The next statistic to look at is school proficiency rates. The Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor says, “Compared with all public school students statewide, full-time online students in Minnesota had significantly lower proficiency rates in math, but about the same proficiency rates in reading”. To back this up, the Wisconsin Legislative Audit Bureau released the following information: ". . . fully online charter students in Wisconsin outperformed state peers in reading but lagged state peers in math”. This data does not suggest that proficiency levels are necessarily lower in virtual schools, but that, like brick and mortar schools, proficiency levels vary. The last aspect of virtual schools to look at is actually not a statistic. This aspect is just stating the facts of what a virtual school is. By definition, virtual school is, “A public school that offers only instruction in which students and teachers are separated by time and/or location, and interaction occurs via computers and/or telecommunications technologies. A virtual school generally does not have a physical facility that allows students to attend classes on site” (National Center for Education Statistics). This definition shows many valid points to both the pros and cons of an online school. A benefit and disadvantage of an online school is that you do not have to attend a physical location every day. This is a benefit in the aspect that you do not have to go through the daily hassle of getting ready for school, finding transportation to get to school, and dealing with possible confrontation with bullies. However, not attending a physical location does pose its shortcomings. Some shortcomings of a virtual school, are that you cannot socialize in person with other people, and cannot view live demonstrations of lessons. And, even though you cannot be bullied in person, the issue of cyber-bullying still lingers. Although there are many cons, the pros outweigh the cons. Since you do not attend a physical location, it enables you to have a larger selection of classes, more academic independence, and hours that are more flexible for the individual student. In conclusion, virtual schools have their advantages and disadvantages. Virtual schools tend to have higher dropout rates, vary in proficiency scores, and lack social interaction. Even though virtual schools have cons, they have a great variation of benefits. These benefits include gained independence, larger and varied selection of classes, flexible hours, and a more personalized learning approach. Like a brick and mortar school, scores vary to the extent that it is hard to determine accurate statistical information using them. Virtual schools, just like brick and mortar schools, have pros and cons that can allow us to determine that each person is different, and that each school provides different needs for different kinds of students. Article Written by Joseph DuPree Sources: -Study of Virtual School Performance and Impact (source of quotes from Innovation Ohio, Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor, & Wisconsin Legislative Audit Bureau) -National Center for Education Statistics 10/9/2018 The Stigma Behind Disability: The Past and Current Misconceptions Surrounding Disabilities and the DisabledRead Now Since the dawn of civilization, it appears that disability has been surrounded by misconception, and judgement. This misguided viewpoint has been so ever-present in history, that it can even be traced all the way back to the Ancient Greeks. According to research, among the Greeks, the sick and deformed were considered “inferior” as opposed to those of healthy mind and body. This discrimination went so far that Plato himself recommended that the deformed offspring of both the superior and inferior be put away in some "mysterious and unknown places". This mindset continued on for centuries, spanning into the 16th century, where certain religious figures such as Luther and John Calvin viewed the disabled as being possessed, or cursed by evil spirits. It was due to this ill-informed perception that many disabled people were subjected to great shame, and even physical pain, from those claiming to “cure” them.
In our modern society and culture, we have a far better understanding of mental and physical disabilities than those before us ever did. However, despite our vast and ever-growing understanding of disabilities, many are still misguided by stigma and misconception. The stigma around disability takes many forms, and varies depending on the geographical location and culture of which the disabled person lives within. While first world countries have a better understanding of disabilities, many third world countries are still plagued by a lack of knowledge and understanding in regards to those who are disabled. This is due to a combination of being ill-equipped of the resources that make this knowledge so accessible to other parts of the world, as well as cultural viewpoints that began centuries ago. Some cultures view disability, not as a medical or mental condition, but rather as a “curse”, upon a family for wrong doing. This viewpoint can make treatment for those in these countries not only difficult, but sometimes even impossible. Thankfully, in first world countries we have not only a modern culture that no longer views these conditions as punishments, but we also have the access to knowledge that can help unlock and explain disability. Within our modern societies, we no longer see such blatant discrimination or mistreatment due to disability rights laws, that protect those who need it. However, even within such modern and developed societies, we can still witness stigma. These stigmas can create hostile working/educational environments, bullying, discrimination, and can mentally and emotionally harm those who are disabled. We also see another form of stigma surrounding disability. This stigma has been bred by such empathy towards those with disabilities, that many now view the disabled as people to be pitied, rather than empowered. Too many people within modern society view the 36 million disabled people within our country as childlike, helpless, hopeless, non-functioning, and non-contributing members of society. The consistent and constant stigma that all disabled people are “childlike” and incapable members of society is harmful to not only disabled individuals, but to society as a whole. It is due to our own inability to accept that they are still equal to us, that we lose out on the talents and skills offered by so many disabled citizens. This stigma begins as early as they are born and lasts sadly far past their deaths. They are often viewed as a number or statistic rather than as an individual. Those who are disabled are still citizens who can help shape the future of our society and workforce, if properly cared for and equipped for independence. Constant pity and misconception makes it so that many disabled children and adults do not even know they are capable of living an independent and fruitful life; rather, they are force fed this ideal that they are stuck in a helpless cycle of childhood. We as a society need to leave behind all the misconceptions around disability, and instead reach toward better knowledge and understanding of it. We also need to abandon this pity mindset, and instead work to empower and equip those who are disabled. May we as a society always remember that disability does not equal inability. Article Written by Elizabeth Stennett Sources: -Theirworld -The Guardian -Disability Studies Quarterly -The New York Times -https://oss.adm.ntu.edu.sg/atoh003/social-stigma-faced-by-people-with-disabilities/ |