A third concern has to do with a perceived lack of motivation in many school-age youngsters. Most agree that getting an education through virtual schools requires either an unusual level of motivation in the student or a strong level of supervision by parents. Many predict that neither will be realized in most cases. Some virtual schools require students to check in on a regular basis. Still others communicate with parents on a regular basis about the progress of their children.
Some concern also exists about the possibility of predators.
Some interaction takes place in chat rooms, a common venue for exploiters of children. Most schools using this kind of technology claim to have their virtual classrooms and chat rooms protected by passwords, firewalls, and other security devices. In many cases, the school can monitor these cyber spaces. Although virtual courses are thought to even the playing field by making advanced courses available in small districts, some feel they will actually increase the gap between haves and have-nots. Accessing virtual courses and schools requires a computer, a modem, and Internet access.