Some high school students are taking online classes to help squeeze in all of the credits they need for graduation. An article on dallasnews.com describes area districts who are implementing online programs to provide flexibility for students wanting to take advantage of virtual classrooms.
Lewisville and Carrollton-Farmers Branch joined Plano this year to become some of the few area districts to offer for-credit high school classes over the Internet. McKinney plans to open its virtual doors this summer.
State education officials predict virtual classrooms will mushroom in the coming years – and only in part because of new technology.
A bigger boost in numbers could come because of a new state rule requiring students to take a fourth year of math and science.
The state doesn't track online programs, so it's difficult to gauge how many districts use them statewide. But nationally, trade groups estimate 700,000 students in grades K-12 took an online class last year.
Some educators feel that offering online classes prepares students for college and the workplace. Businesses frequently use Internet training classes for their employees, and colleges commonly offer "at home" courses for students. These are especially beneficial for adults with families and full time jobs.
Computer learning is not for the unmotivated. These classes are a lot more difficult than people imagine. Cheating is bound to occur, but that happens in regular classrooms as well. Some students are already mesmerized by computers and spend way too much time in front of computer screens. Let's not go overboard with this type of learning. It's kind of like chocolate. A little bit goes a long way.