Virtual Learning

Virtual Learning

Virtual learning has become an integral part of our educational system. Virtual learning can aid in

• Increasing student engagement and choice,
• Supporting personalized learning experiences for students, and
• Increasing equal access to high quality learning experiences.

Virtual learning programs offer flexibility to students while providing instruction aligned with the Standards of Learning. A number of Virginia school divisions provide opportunities for their students to take online courses as a part of their regular course offerings.

Virtual Learning Advisory Committee (VLAC)

The Virtual Learning Advisory Committee was established to review online courses, in-service training and digital instructional resources necessary for school divisions to meet graduation requirements and discuss strategic planning to expand blended and online learning opportunities in Virginia's public schools, including the Virtual VA program, Multidivision Online Provider (MOP) program, and virtual programs within school divisions.

Report Regarding Online Courses and Virtual Programs 2024 (PDF; Starting on page 81)

Virtual Teaching & Learning Hub

Virtual Virginia

As a program of the Virginia Department of Education, Virtual Virginia (VVA) offers online Advanced Placement (AP), world language, core academic, and elective courses to students throughout the Commonwealth. Virtual Virginia is designed to meet the needs of students who otherwise would be unable to take these courses due to a lack of availability or scheduling conflicts within their school. Eligible students enroll in Virtual Virginia through their local schools. Visit Virtual Virginia for details about the program, including the course catalog, school registration information and more.

 

Multi-Division Online Provider Program (MOP)

The 2010 General Assembly directed the Board of Education to establish criteria for the approval of virtual school programs that provide instruction to students in multiple school divisions. The criteria and processes approved by the board in November 2010 provide flexibility for diverse learners and ensure that instruction provided by multi-division online providers is aligned with state standards and provided by highly qualified teachers. More about the Multi-division Online Provider Program. 

Glossary

Term	Definition
Virtual Learning	A learning modality in or out of school buildings that uses the Internet and digital technology to provide and enhance learning experiences and promote educational outcomes.
Learning Management System (LMS)	A software application deployed on a wide scale for the delivery, administration, documentation, tracking, and reporting of educational courses or training programs. An LMS helps the online teacher deliver content to students, administer and analyze assessments, track student progress, and manage records
Online Course	A course where teacher-led education takes place over the Internet, with the teacher and student separated geographically, using an online instructional delivery system.
Blended Learning	Learning modality where students learn in part through virtual instruction and in part at a school building. Blended learning includes some element of student control over time, place, path, and/or pace.
Online Programs	Organizations that work directly with students and deliver online learning services, but are not “schools.” Online programs in Virginia include Virtual Virginia and other school division initiatives.
Online Teacher	A teacher-of-record, instructing learning experience in an online, virtual environment or blended environment in which teachers and learners are separated by time and space.
Asynchronous Learning	A learning modality in which learning activities are accessed and completed by learners at different times.
Synchronous Learning	A learning modality in which the participants of the learning process (students and teachers) interact at the same time and in the same space.
Competency-based Learning	Learning that allows students to move ahead upon mastery of course content. Support is differentiated and based on the learner’s individual learning needs.
Remote Learning	Remote learning is conducted outside of a brick-and-mortar school setting. It includes learning with (virtual) or without (packets, flash drives, or similar) Internet access.