In-person learning has been found to have a higher VCE completion rate compared to virtual learning, with rates reaching up to 99 percent at schools like Balwyn High. While some students turn to Virtual School Victoria for subjects not offered at their home school, few opt for full-time virtual learning like Rosie Franzke. Franzke, a student athlete who competes while studying online, finds the flexibility of virtual learning beneficial to her success both academically and athletically. Students who choose to study fully online must fall into one of six enrolment categories, including medical, travel, sports/performance, distance, young adulthood, or previous home schooling.
Will Borden, the dux of Virtual School Victoria in 2021, achieved an ATAR of 99.4 after switching to virtual learning due to attendance issues at his mainstream school. Education academic Melinda Davis notes that while virtual and distance education has always existed, more people are now considering it as an alternative to traditional schooling. Virtual learning offers students and parents flexibility in completing their education in a way that is adaptive to their needs. However, Davis emphasizes the importance of considering the transition for students beyond high school and how they will navigate the world outside of a virtual classroom.
Davis highlights the potential challenges faced by university students who struggle with being disengaged from their cohort and the campus environment, leading to higher dropout rates. RMIT lecturer Kathy Littlewood acknowledges the social aspect and in-person support as factors contributing to higher completion rates at brick-and-mortar schools. However, she also recognizes that virtual schooling can provide alternative opportunities for students who may not thrive in a mainstream school setting based on their individual needs and preferences.
Franzke, who has utilized online schooling since year 9 and represented Australia at the Winter Youth Olympic Games, credits the consistency and support provided by virtual schooling for her academic and athletic success. She acknowledges the stress that comes with balancing training and competing but finds comfort in the structure and support offered by the online learning environment. Virtual School Victoria employs teams of teachers dedicated to ensuring student engagement and success, providing a supportive and consistent educational experience for students like Franzke. Despite the benefits of virtual learning, educators like Davis and Littlewood emphasize the importance of considering the broader implications and challenges students may face outside of a traditional school setting.
