I’ve mentioned previously, on this site and old blogs, my belief that we need to be look differently at schooling going forward. Continuing with traditional school models is an option but we also need to look to offer children and their parents new options. Online options could potentially be cheaper for the state and more appropriate for the learner.
I have done a bit more research around the topic of late – including noticing this article from 2006. Yep, the benefits were clearly articulated in a BBC article…in 2006! Indeed Ofsted have reported on benefits too.
Now, I know there are virtual school providers in the UK. However, they remain largely private (fee charging) or for those children outside of the mainstream system (for example those who are vulnerable and in care). I previously asked the New Schools Network back in 2011 if state funded Virtual Schools were emerging thanks to the changes of regulation resulting in Free Schools (it surprised me this week when I realized that email conversation was 3 years ago!). Their reply at the time:
“We would agree that at present the Free Schools policy and application process are not particularly tailored for this type of school, but we have talked to the DfE and they are receptive to proposals for virtual schools.”
So when I reached out this week to NSN and on LinkedIn to a Free Schools group it was good to get one solid reply that work is underway. In fact I offered my assistance, if I can offer any, as I really believe we need to consider online learning as opposed to the postcode lottery of existing provision.
Not to say that traditional schools are not investigating the possibilities, for example with this director of eLearning post currently advertised.
Anyway – I’m going to keep this Google Drive presentation up-to-date with a vision for an online school, if I ever have the time perhaps I will look to investigate it more. However, having read Toby Young’s guide to setting up a free school, I doubt I will ever have the time needed to fully support the launch of such a school.
Whose Education Is It Anyway? 
Interesting (largely opposed to my view) discussion here: http://www.localschoolsnetwork.org.uk/2014/10/would-a-proposed-e-academy-offering-full-time-virtual-education-really-reshape-education-in-england/
And some developments in India: http://digitallearning.eletsonline.com/2014/10/virtual-classrooms-future-of-education/