How can virtual learning benefit students, educators, and schools?
Virtual Learning offers additional learning opportunities for students who want to take a course that is not offered in their school, students who can't attend a traditional school for health or other reasons, students who need to recover credits, and students who want more challenging coursework. 82 percent of college students say they would have worked harder if they have been more challenged in high school.
Benefits for educators and schools include the opportunity for schools to offset teacher shortages and offer low-enrollment classes affordably. Online learning costs per student per semester can be as inexpensive as $100.
What's happening in Delaware?
Governor Ruth Ann Minner's FY2008 budget includes funding for the development of a virtual school by the state Department of Education.
Florida's virtual school served 31,000 students in 2005-06, offers 80 courses, taught by 174 full time faculty—all are state certified and many are nationally certified.
What does Vision 2015 recommend?
Expanding distance learning to allow true 24/7 online learning opportunities
Challenging students to reach higher standards
Providing more real-world learning opportunities for all students
