Future learning opportunities for rural students and those wanting to study a second language could be under threat if the Government doesn't back online learning, an ePrincipal says. Rachel Whalley, of the Virtual Learning Networks (VLN) Primary School, said the Government's decision to repeal regulatory framework for communities of online learning (COOL) had taken away the opportunity to legitimise programmes within schools, which could affect future students wanting to access online education. Partly funded by the Ministry of Education, VLN runs 58 classes each week for 55 schools and employs 13 part-time teachers. It has a roll of about 1000 students, mostly from Years 5 to 8. Whalley said the changes to COOL, released on September 13 revoked the possibility of accreditation for public and private providers so they could better offer online tuition to fulltime and part-time school students. READ MORE: * Rural schools impacted by Bill * Principals hot under the collar * Education outside the classroom The amendment said the change would "provide time for the issues to be considered in the context of the wider education sector reviews". It was due to start working on December 31, 2019. Without the framework there was uncertainty around future funding. "We won't be able to deliver to the need that's growing in schools." The review has been part of the Education Conversation (Kōrero Mātauranga) which the Ministry of Education is using to build the "world's best education system". The online education community has been bundled into the Tomorrow's Schools Review. "There are so many conversations happening within this Education Conversation space that it's difficult to feel like you're being heard," Whalley said. "We want to be part of the public schooling system." The school's teachers covered subjects such as reo Māori, Mandarin and French, to kapa haka, extension maths and astronomy. That was important at a time when teacher supply was significantly impacting on schools. Last week's decision will see providers such as Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu (The Correspondence School), and the Virtual Learning Networks continue distance education on the same basis they do now. Education Minister Chris Hipkins has previously said the amendment made in 2017 was "deeply unpopular" because it allowed any school, tertiary institution, or private entity to apply for the status.
The government of can Zealand 's decision to repeal aspects of the communities of online qualifications ( COOL ) framework may have a negative impact on rural students , according to ePrincipal Rachel review of the Virtual learning Networks Primary website . The amendment to the COOL framework removes the ability for public and private providers to seek accreditation , meaning rural students who were going to complete all their qualifications over the internet will no longer be able to access the official qualifications online . The modification is intended to give time for the issues to be considered in the context of wider educational reviews .