What I learned about online K-12 programs!

I feel like I learned a LOT.  I had no idea how many online schools/websites there were!  I always thought that online classes were just through a school building and didn't realize there were so many students taking only online classes.  I was susprised at how many students take online courses because I never thought very highly of online school.  Why not just take classes at school like everyone else?  I assumed students couldn't learn as much in an online schooling environment as opposed to "real" school, but I guess I was wrong about that.  I learned that students taking online classes sometimes learn more than traditional students because they can accel faster and get farther ahead of regular students, even taking AP classes to prepare them for college.

Online school seems to be a lot bigger thing than I originally thought.  There are so many kids taking classes online and it's working for most of them.  It's helpful when families move around a lot, when kids want to have time to participate in other activities during the day and are able to take their classes at any time of the day.  Students really enjoy having their own schedule and being able to work at their own pace.  Also, online classes allow for 1-on-1 contact between students and teachers, which is great for learning.  In big schools, it's hard to get 1-on-1 time for help with teachers when there are so many other students. 

I also learned about some of the teachers of online classes.  I didn't realize there were so many, or that the teachers teach in classrooms WHILE teaching online!  And they do so many other things as well!  I pictured someone who sits in their living room teaching from home, much like the students would be doing when doing their lessons.  If I were an online teacher, I guess I would want time to do other things as well.  It was shocking to me that they still taught regular classes and coached and headed student organizations WHILE teacher online courses!  Props for them!  And they had so many degrees!  That was impressive as well.

Overall, I suppose my outlook on online schooling has changed.  I still don't think it's always the best idea, but for the students who can make it work, more power to them.

Ayla