Virtual School Ecosystems

by Mark Sivy

With my doctoral degree now complete, I have an added wealth of knowledge, research skills, and theoretical perspective that complements many years of practical experience in educational technology, e-learning, and educational leadership. It’s now time to pull all of of this together and put it to some good use.

As a way to share what I’ve learned and have yet to discover about virtual school ecosystems, I’ve created this blog. So what makes up these ecosystems? Well, it involves all of those interactive school components, such as operations, infrastructure, technology systems, learners, governance, communication, community, teams, and staff. Please keep in mind that even though I refer to virtual schools, the information presented in this blog applies to similar references such as cyber schools, online school programs, and virtual charter schools.

Since I have other interests related to virtual school ecosystems, I also decided to create these additional blogs:

• Virtual School News (http://virtualschoolnews.wordpress.com/) – the latest about online education programs and virtual schools.
• Virtual Teaching & Learning (http://vteachingandlearning.wordpress.com/) – covering topics concerning e-learning, virtual teaching, and online instructional design.
• Virtual School Leadership (http://virtualschoolleadership.wordpress.com/) – information for current and future virtual school leaders and leader development programs.
• The Virtual Organization (http://thevirtualorganization.wordpress.com/) – information and perspectives on virtual enterprise operations and virtual leadership.

At this point each blog will set sail in its own direction and take on a life of their own. The destinations are many, with several being charted and where going where the winds might blow. So now onward with these journeys…

Reflection Point – I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky, And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by; And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking, And a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking.  ~ First stanza of Sea Fever by John Masefield