Virtual Education Today

            The diffusion of innovation theory is a big part of why virtual education is such a toss up for our society. Our youth is very familiar and catch on fast to these new technologies. Our youth is being introduced to these technologies early so that they are prepared for it when they get older. As for our older population, they aren’t very used to these platforms because it’s something being introduced to them in their later life that they might not want adjust to. 

For example, my parents were born in the 1940’s and I have tried to sit down with them and explain to them how to use our newest technologies. They look at it like it is an object from outer space. Because our older population isn’t familiar with these technologies it can cause some conflict when discussing the growing topic of virtual education.

            I found an article published in the Portland Herald Press about Pearson proposing a virtual school in Maine. If approved in April, they will continue this project. This article was very interesting because it is a prime example of how virtual education is evolving, how it is changing lives, and how different people think about this movement.

            The diffusion of innovation describes the course management system as either a gift from God that allows for more advanced organization or a system that complicates education and is hard to use. I have seen people of all different ages fall into each of these categories. Bottom line, depending where a person falls on the level of diffusion will determine their opinion on the course management system. Some other factors that can determine opinion on virtual education are demographics, religions, economics, education etc.

 In this particular article they say, 

“The introduction of virtual schools to Maine has become a partisan issue, with Gov. Paul LePage and Republican lawmakers supporting Maine Connections Academy, and Democrats opposing it.” (Bell).

This statement is an example of how economics can cause conflict on this subject. These are along the many situations that Democrats and Republicans disagree on but must discuss to overcome and make an educated decision.

“Maine’s public school teachers, administrators and school districts widely oppose the new virtual school. Much of the opposition is focused on how the school will be funded.” (Bell).

This is obviously a main concern that the public must take into account. These administrators have been around for years and I can understand why they are upset. Some are losing jobs and benefits but they must learn to understand that this is just what our world is becoming.

Bottom line, we must look at the best option for the future of the students. They are the ones who will be taking on this education to enhance their minds. 

http://www.pressherald.com/2014/03/16/real_giant_set_to_run_first_virtual_school_in_maine_/