The Virginian-Pilot
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VIRGINIA BEACH
The School Board tabled a proposed graduation requirement Tuesday that would force high school students to take at least one online course before receiving a diploma.
Board members debated the plan for nearly two hours before agreeing to delay a vote and allow its staff time to answer questions about implementation and cost.
Under the plan, students entering the ninth grade in the fall of 2012 would be required to earn at least one half-credit through an online course offered by the school division or through the state's Virtual Virginia.
The goal would be to "better prepare our students to navigate the online world," said Joe Burnsworth, assistant superintendent of curriculum.
The board appeared split on the issue, with Brent McKenzie and Todd Davidson saying the online requirement would be unfair to low-income students, many of whom don't have home Internet access.
"This is an amazing burden on students who already have the deck stacked so high against them," McKenzie said.
Students would be given an opportunity to take the online course during the school day on school computers, Burnsworth said. "We would make accommodations," he said.
Requiring online coursework in high school is a growing trend across the nation. Next year, every student in Florida will be required to complete one class online before graduating.
Board members supporting the requirement said forcing students to take an online course would teach them to work independently and prepare them for real-world scenarios. Some 40 percent of college students take at least one class online, Burnsworth said, and many college students complete entire four-year programs on the Internet.
"I don't care what kind of job you have," said member Carolyn Weems, "you have to know how to do it on a computer."
Administrators expect the online requirement would cost nothing since the courses are already available and the mandate would result in fewer students taking traditional courses each semester. But Burnsworth and other staff members said they did not know for sure if there might be additional costs.
Mike Hixenbaugh, (757) 222-5117, mike.hixenbaugh@pilotonline.com
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If they had online classes
If they had online classes when I went to school, maybe I would have done a lot better in French class, instead, raging hormones overcame education and focused my attention on the cute girl in the miniskirt who sat next to me all semester.
on-line course mandate?
When on-line courses gain an equal education quality standard that in-class education has, and then only would I like to see on-line courses pushed forward. On-line courses currently constitute one of the biggest education scams in existence. If two people apply for the same job, one with an on-line and the other with an in-class diploma - who do you think will get the job?
Not one and the same
There's a difference between including online or hybrid courses during the course of acquiring a degree at a college or university and attending a totally online degree program (most are definitely lacking in validation). Some of the online/hybrid courses are as intensive and demanding as traditional courses. It has a lot to do with the quality of teacher/professor facilitating the class. A good rule to follow is if you see commercials for a certain higher education program on TV all too often, stay away.
choice for parents
In the state of Florida a student can do their entire high school years in the online environment. This is an excellent way for parents who are taxed for the public education system to utilize said system without having to send their children to violent of failing schools. A friend (who pays taxes for public school and tuition for private school) has her daughter taking a summer school online course in environmental science through the James City county school system. She has to pay for this class but her daughter's private school will accept the credit, as will her future college, and she now has the extra room in her schedule next year for another advanced science or math class. A win win for everyone.
actually
I took a health and wellness online course through one of our local community colleges....it was very writing intense, research intense, and informative. This course covered various areas of nutrition and exercise science. I was exposed to all manner of "sports" activities that the schools just do not have the time or desire to explore. I learned about various strength building exercises, flexibility exercises, aerobic exercises, etc. Not everything in the sports and health curriculum should be focused around team sports. Many life time sports like racket ball, tennis, yoga, Tia chi, etc. are never explored in our public school system. Not only did I learn, I put into practice what I learned, started playing tennis and taking Tia chi!
this is a great idea
This is a great idea to prepare kids for the work world and college. "Poor kids" can use computers at school or library.
Global competition
Which nation will truly make education a number one priority? To compete in the internation marketplace of commerce and ideas, we have to make an investment in our children's future. Internet access, wi-Fi, computers, smart phones are how the world does business now- not the future. If the children are not wired in they can't compete.
Perhaps, soon educators will realize that technology can not only be affordable but it is essential. My child carries seven big books around all day when for less cost he could be issued an e reader with all the books he needs. This can happen right now.
4 WORDS
Follow the Money Trail.
Find the companies making money off this and you'll find they have been sniffing around your elected officials recently.
internet
Hello! Will you pay for my internet service that I do not have. Sorry, I was laid off a year ago and now work at a whopping 12.95 hr. I cant afford the internet. the only internet I see is at work..
Thanks
Libraries have free internet
Libraries have free internet access, as does K-Mart.