In Howard County, teachers incorporate virtual instruction in science, finance and computer classes, with exercises that involve constructing desktop and laptop computers or performing blood transfusions on patients, according to district officials.
Baltimore County's virtual program is starting with a focus on science, technology, engineering and math - or STEM - but Superintendent Joe A. Hairston said he wants to expand its applications to all content areas.
"We're talking about developing a work force for the future," Hairston said. "And with globalization, in terms of skilled workers for the future, the American child must be equally prepared to compete."
Paul D. Coverstone, who teaches at McDaniel College and specializes in instructional design for online learning, said virtual instruction will eventually become commonplace, particularly as bandwidth capability grows.
"There is no doubt that technology can be a strong adjunct to the learning process," said Coverstone, who is acting chief information officer for the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission. Still, he said, using such tools should not be about technology for its own sake, but tied to specific objectives.
Michael Wilmoth, a Chesapeake High senior interested in robotics and mechanical engineering, said the virtual program would better prepare students.
"It kind of gives me a bit more application, gives me more of an idea of what the job will be like," he said.
Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, working with the school system, see the virtual concept as a way to spark interest in science and engineering.
"When students are in school and they're learning about engineering, math and science, it's very abstract," said Stephanie Hill, vice president of Lockheed's MS2 Integrated Defense Technologies. "If they can actually apply the skills to a real problem that's exciting, with real engineers ... then it will encourage the students to not only be interested in engineering and technology but to stay interested."
Mentoring helps bring engineering to life, but employees can only spend so much time away from the office, said Ted E. Imes Sr., director of corporate citizenship for Northrop's electronic systems sector. Through a virtual environment, they can work with students without having to leave the workplace, he and Hill said.
At Chesapeake, a STEM academy, students and teachers have already met people from both companies in lunchtime "chat and chews" and classroom visits. And teachers can get practical experience during Lockheed's summer externships, said Demetrice Smith and Thomas Bullerman, who have done them."Being able to have hands-on work is very helpful," senior Victoria Wallace said. "We're coming out of high school with some skills that people go into their freshman year of college to acquire."
