Online Learning in Schools- Yes or No?

Hello Class,
        The article I chose to read this week is called "Rural Districts Bolster Choices with Online Learning" by Don W. Brown. It focuses on the importance and usefulness of having online classes offered in school. The article points out that online classes make it easier for schools with shortage on funds. It allows more classes for those students that are unable to get into their required classes. The article focuses on three different school districts and how they benefited from adding online learning.
   The first school district it mentions is Creswell School District, who in total has 1300 students. They use a sound technique for identifying students as they start the online procedure. This is useful in making sure that it is actually the students doing the assignments/tests, and not another person. Gifted students and Juniors/Seniors with a high G.P.A. are allowed first enrollment, and if there is extra room then some Sophmores are allowed to enroll as well. I feel this is a good idea because it makes students work harder to achieve good grades so that they can take online classes like their peers.
     An interesting thing that the school district does is only allow students to take courses that are not currently offered at the school. I feel this is not very helpful because they should also allow them to take those classes that fill up fast at the school. This would prevent students from missing out on certain classes that are required to graduate. Some students are known to have a problem keeping up with the scheduling and turning things in on time without a teacher to delegate deadlines. It is important to make a schedule for those students to follow so they don't fall behind.
    Another district that tested out online learning is Pleasant Hill School District with 840 students. They are offering classes for students that have already taken certain classes but need to show more advancement in those courses or need to make up credit. The school has reported that the students in these classes are showing less motivation, although they have a mentor who works with them for fifty minutes every day to ensure they are understanding the information. There needs to be another way of teaching these students so they are more motivated. The online classes offer more courses that otherwise wouldn't have enough staff to provide those classes. The main problems so far with online learning in this district are communicating with the students and also the qualifications.
    The last school district is Crow-Applegate-Lorane, with 310 students enrolled. This district offers Scaffolded Courses, including those offered to students on Individualized Educations Plans. Student's are expected to complete six percent of the coursework every single week, and their progress is constantly monitored to ensure completion. This district feels that online classes are providing technology skills needed for the students future. I agree with this idea that when we are using the computer on a daily basis for an online course, we are actually improving our computer literacy skills and technology knowledge.
         In conclusion, online courses are offering classes that are helpful in many ways. Less students are being left behind, they are able to graduate on time, they are gaining technological skills, and they are gaining motivation to improve their grades in order to take these classes. I feel adding online classes to any district will only benefit the district and the students in a positive way, and there really is nothing to lose.

-Sarah

Rural Districts Bolster Choices with Online Learning. (March/April 2012.) Brown, Don. Retrieved March 23rd, 2012 from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Rural_Districts_Bolster_Choices_with_Online_Learning.aspx.