The idea of virtual learning is growing in the American education system. More students from Kindergarten through 12th grade are learning in front of a screen rather than from a live teacher. While some say the format is cost efficient and tailored to each individual’s learning speed, others say essential components of the schooling system, such as development of social skills and hands on lessons, are being compromised in the process. Many educators are looking on with reluctant optimism as the virtual world expands in its implementation. Today we’re looking at education that favors computers over classrooms.

For the rest of the article, go to The Growth of Virtual Learning (rebroadcast)

St. Ignatius Catholic School is investing in the future with the role out of over 350 lap tops to all high school students and staff teaching in years kindergarten through Year 13.

With the launch of the I-site platform, the school has joined others around the world that are harnessing cutting-edge technology to provide students with the best chances of fulfilling their potential.

On 2 September, in a roll out project managed entirely by the Sixth Form and former students, parents and students signed an acceptable use policy prior to the students receiving their new lap tops.

“I-site is only the first stage in a development plan that will see students from 3-18 years-old benefiting from virtual learning in a controlled enjoyable and innovative way,” said Mr. Tom McGrath, head of school at St. Ignatius.

“This is an exciting step in to the future of education. It provides them to access all school leaning resources anywhere at anytime – both inside and outside the classroom,” he said.

Minister for Education Rolston Anglin visited the school on Monday, 12 September, to see first-hand how the students were responding to this exciting development in their education.

“I am encouraged to see a small school such as St. Ignatius, which started here in the Cayman Islands, embrace the future of education with this innovative introduction to technology,” he said. “It is encouraging too to see that the school’s leadership team, teachers and parents will all be working together with the students in this exciting next chapter of the school’s education. The ability for a parent to be updated on progress, accomplishments or areas that need attention in real time, rather than waiting for a parent or teacher meeting is going to be instrumental in ensuring that each child receives the guidance and assistance they need, when they need it; not when it’s too late.

For the rest of the article, go to Virtual learning a reality