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News-Sun photo by CHRISTOPHER TUFFLEY School Superintendent Wally Cox talks about the benefit of having a classroom course on how to take on-line courses.

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published: Friday, February 10, 2012

Online education a special focus

By CHRISTOPHER TUFFLEY

christopher.tuffley@newssun.com

SEBRING -- With a new world that requires computer literacy for success, and continuing concerns from businesses that current high school graduates do not have that literacy, the state legislature passed a law requiring the completion of an online course in order to graduate high school.

"This requirement shall be met through an online course offered by the Florida Virtual School; an online course offered by the high school; or an online dual enrollment course," the statute says.

"An online course is one which is delivered via online or using distance learning technology in an interactive learning environment."

The requirement takes effect with ninth graders entering high school this year (2011-2012). They must fulfill an online course in order to graduate in 2015.

"I certainly understand why the law was created," Becky Fleck, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, told the school board Tuesday night.

While significant numbers of students are comfortable and competent with computers, Fleck said, just as many are not. In a county where some homes do not even have a telephone, not all students have access to computers. It is critical for schools to provide access and instruction, Fleck said.

Beyond that, there are many students who are competent with machines and software but do not know how to study online.

The experience is very different from classroom learning where students have teachers in the flesh to keep them focused and answer questions. Studying online requires self-direction and self-discipline, not just computer skills.

So students will not simply take a subject online. First they will be taught how to learn online.

Fleck said this is why the district is combining its leadership course -- taken by all freshmen -- with the new Computer Applications I.

The district plans to use Highlands County teachers both in the class and as the online facilitators. They will develop as much of the program in-house as they can.

This is so, "we can have a course to fit our students' needs. By doing this ourselves we control the content. By using our teachers we can build a professional cadre (capable of developing new programs in the future)," Fleck said. "That will bring additional curriculum into the classroom."

There are financial considerations, too.

Schools give away full-time equivalent (FTE) funding when a student takes an online course from an out-of-district provider.

Another advantage of in-house online courses is no waiting lists. The Florida Virtual School is so over-booked with students there are waiting lists for specific subjects .

School Superintendent Wally Cox enthusiastically endorsed the plan.

"We have some (students) who are self-motivated, and some whose parents motivate them, but I think there are a lot of kids who will benefit," he said.

More advanced ninth graders will be able to take more advanced courses during the time allotted for Computer Applications I.