Online Educational Opportunities Grow for Students of All Ages

At a time when online educational opportunities continue to grow in the higher education field, many primary and secondary schools are also finding that online schools can be beneficial to younger students as well. From struggling learners who need an option that better suits their needs to advanced learners who want to tackle classes that aren’t offered at their schools, online education has opened up many new doors for students throughout the country.

For students who are struggling with the traditional school setting, pursing an education online can make it easier to receive the accommodations they need to be successful. For those with ADHD, the class can be paused at any time to take a break when necessary. For those who are struggling readers, computer software can be used to read the text for them. Yet, when additional questions arise, students can contact the teacher to receive the extra assistance they need to be successful. Online schools also provide struggling students with access to supplemental and remedial assistance as necessary.

While educators recognize the value of online education, public school systems are struggling with finding ways to integrate virtual education into their classrooms. In addition to determining the boundaries that have long been geographically formed, the use of online schools has also opened up questions regarding how to publicly finance online educational opportunities. The issue becomes even murkier when dealing with employees from for-profit companies that are developing and implementing the curriculum.

Despite the many apparent benefits to online education, some educators are concerned that there is not enough evidence to prove that online instruction is effective. Furthermore, many are skeptical of the involvement of private sector companies. According to Gene V. GlassGene V. Glass, who is the senior researcher at the University of Colorado’s National Education Policy Center, initial studies released by the United States Department of Education are flawed. While the 2009 study found that online learning could produce superior results, Glass found that students involved in the study frequently received more time to study and they also enjoyed the benefits of face-to-face instruction. Glass also determined that the primary interest of these companies was to please their shareholders rather than to educate children.

“They are responsible to their shareholders, not to the kids or anyone else,” Glass is reported as saying in a New York Times article. “They are in it for the money.”

As schools continue to struggle with how they will address online educational opportunities, a 2011 report from Project Tomorrow found that thirty percent of high school students have already taken at least one online course. Furthermore, a report from Keeping Pace 2010 found that 150,000 students attended an online school on a full-time basis during the 2009-2010 school year.

In Texas, schools have been offering online courses to students since 2007. At this time, the Legislature also passed certain laws to provide guidance in terms of sharing courses across districts. Through its Texas Virtual School Network, two dozen community colleges, universities and school districts offer online courses in which students can enroll. Starting as early as third grade, students can begin attending school online on a fulltime basis. Private companies, universities and even school districts work together to provide the curriculum, but the Texas Education Agency retains the authority to approve the courses.

Despite the efforts that the state of Texas has put into building its virtual educational opportunities and despite the fact that it has the second-largest school-age population in the country, Texas still lags behind other states in terms of enrollment. Currently, online enrollment in Texas is at around 1,200, while online enrollment in Florida was at 260,000 during the 2010-2011 academic year.

“Online education is still creating its own image right now,” said Chuck Fattore, who has taught both traditional and online courses. “It’s not an institution yet in any sense. Educators aren’t sure how to use it.”

What do you think about the growing number of online schools for students of all grade levels? Do you think these programs offer a sound alternative for struggling learners and for gifted students who want to push themselves to the next level? Do you believe online education is the way to go for the average student? Or, do you think there is no substitute for the skills of a classroom teacher and that putting schools online is the wrong way to go?