Prediction: by 2019, schools will have to come up with "virtual schools" as part of their crisis management plans.
The Reality
Whether it's H1N1 or some other crisis, schools will need to be able to continue schooling from outside the traditional brick-and-mortar setting, when there is no chance of returning to the physical setting within a reasonable time frame. Click here to watch a video covering what schools in Hong Kong are doing.
The Opportunity
Crises aside, a virtual school could be a tremendous new business opportunity for independent schools who are willing to explore learning beyond bricks and mortar. It may replace the physical school or it may serve to complement it. There is exciting flexibility with business models here.