Susan Patrick: Idaho deserves praise for offering classes over the Internet
READER'S VIEW VIRTUAL LEARNING
http://www.idahostatesman.com/opinion/story/615259.html
 
BY SUSAN PATRICK - Idaho Statesman
Edition Date: 12/27/08
A rural Idaho 10th-grader practices a Mandarin Chinese lesson with a student in Beijing.
A Caldwell elementary school student, homebound with illness, completes her math assignment and turns it in to her teacher with a mouse click.
A Franklin County physics student watches a simulation created by NASA and discusses the formula and concept with her class over the Internet, while her teacher facilitates the discussion.
A struggling student retakes Algebra I with a readily available online teacher and tutor, allowing her to get help when she needs it and move at her own pace without being ostracized by other students or interrupting the lecture.
These are examples of how online learning is helping students attain academic achievement in ways never before possible. Online learning works for a diverse range of students and helps meet their individual needs. Students receive a customized, personalized education using a new delivery model that is preparing them for college and lifelong learning.
Idaho's education leaders should be applauded for their good work - Idaho is a national leader in online learning. In a recent national report, "Online Learning Policy and Practice Survey: A Survey of the States," Idaho ranked third out of 50 states for forward-thinking state policies supporting student opportunities through K-12 online learning. Idaho is one of 21 states to allow full-time online program options. The rankings reflect an effort to transform academic offerings to meet the needs of K-12 students.

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