State and school district level curriculum planners grapple with changing student needs and learning goals on an annual basis. Somewhat new to the conversation is the idea of making an online learning experience mandatory for graduation.
A number of states are considering or already have changed requirements to include online learning. Michigan was the first state to enact an online learning requirement in 2006. Other states have followed suit including New York, Idaho, Florida and Alabama. The requirement differs greatly in these states from just making the option available, to listing distance learning as one choice on a longer list of options.
The mandate also has been implemented in some school districts as a local graduation requirement even when the state hasn’t taken such action. The Memphis City School District updated graduation requirements in 2011, for example.
Learning online prepares students for college where they will most likely encounter mandatory online platforms, even in their face-to-face classes. The online learning experience requires students to hone their attention, manage their time and have good written communication skills. The process of finding the right information is also important.
Proponents of the idea feel that requiring students to learn online improves student technological, time management and problem solving skills, thus better preparing them for college and work after high school.
Opponents of online learning requirements worry about meeting increasing graduation requirements and the availability of high-speed Internet access.
Some educators feel that schools already do an adequate job of giving students experiences with technology, while others feel that simple exposure to the tools (computer labs with new software, tablet computers, etc.) isn’t enough for a new generation of learners.
The attention focused on online learning experiences has prompted the International Association for K-12 Online Learning to release new quality control standards. The nonprofit group issued the report “National Standards for Quality Online Courses, Version 2” that outlines standards to be followed, including alignment of course content to state academic standards, student assessment, instructional design and technology.
