A look into the world of PA Cyber Charter Schooling

What is it?

On a certain level, Pennsylvania Cyber Charter schools can be equated with both public schools and homeschooling.  Similar to public schools, the students enroll in the program, attend classes, and have teachers.  Yet like homeschooling, they work from home.  How is this done?  Students "attend" their classes by means of an advanced computer provided by the program.  However, there are differences and many benefits that come from joining this Cyber school.

Why join?

Why would  PA Cyber  Charter Schools be a good choice? Like public schools, there is no cost for schooling.  Parents are given greater level of involvement and choice where classes are concerned.  Additionally, "PA Cyber combines highly qualified teachers and intensely personalized instruction with a dynamic, interactive curriculum…"  Students are provided with quality and choice. PA Cyber proudly claims that their school gives families the ability to construct their own school, "out of choices, not bricks."

If you have more questions about this program, visit their FAQ page for specifics: http://www.pacyber.org/faq.jsp?pageId=2161392240601291902139417

 

Teachers perspective:

Advantages of teaching for PA Cyber Charter schools:

There are many benefits to being a teacher for PA Cyber Charter schools.  Because the classroom is located on the internet, teachers are given 24/7 access to their class materials.  This provides flexibility for travel and time zones.  Teachers can leave the state or the country and continue working.  This can also benefit teachers who are stay at home parents receive an income and raise their chilren.  Teachers are also given the opportunity to develop personal relationships with their students because of the individualized aspect of education. 

PA Cyber Charter school teachers are also given the chance to join a community of learners and teachers on the web.  On the home website, a blog explicitly for teachers is provided. Teachers can share materials, teaching strategies, and any ideas or information they wish to.  This blog also recognizes teachers for their accomplishments. http://www.pacyber.org/staff.jsp.

Disadvantages of teaching for  PA Cyber  Charter Schools:

Possible disadvantages of working for a PA Cyber Charter School could relate to students.  In some cases, the students who enroll Cyber schools are troubled teens who feel like outcasts within their previous school.  Pregnant and young teenage mothers also join.  While teaching these students presents a great opportunity to support them as role model, problems can arise from their attitudes towards school.  Self-motivation is key to Cyber schooling.  Students are responsible for turning in assignments, logging into class, and joining in class discussions.  But there is also an element of independent work that is required.  Without motivation, this could present a roadblock that the teacher must address. If the student does not make himself available online, the teacher will have to find alternative ways to address the problem.

 

Student perspective:

Advantages of attending  PA Cyber  Charter Schools:

The advantages of attending a Cyber school are abundant.  Students are at home and interactive with their siblings and parents.  From this, they can build  strong family relationships and learn directly from their parents throughout the day.  They are also given much flexibility.  For those who are deeply involved in sports, music or any other interest, cyber school allows for an adaptable and moldable education.  Students can watch recorded lessons on the weekends or at early hours in the morning. This also provides convenience for families who travel.  Other obvious benefits would be the ability to earn a degree at home, flexibility with classes taken at public schools or colleges in addition to classes for Cyber school, and a social network of those in the area also participating in the school.

Disadvantages of attending  PA Cyber  Charter Schools:

Despite the many advantages of joining Cyber schools, there are the possibilities of a few draw backs.  One in particular is socialization.  Students have the opportunity to connect with those in the community, however this depends on the willingness of the student to join.  In addition, despite  the interactive aspect of classrooms online, students could possibly sense isolation on the daily level from staying at home for classes.

 

 

 

 

For further information, check out their home website: http://www.pacyber.org/

 

 

 Grace DeWalt (Post Author)
Megan Daugherty
Sarah DeMar

Alyssa Baldwin
Group 10