posted 3/8/2010

More Schools Add Online Class Options to Traditional Schedules

Students Working Independently Online

When Lindsey Lecus heads to the library for her literature studies class at Fritsche Middle School, she checks the assignments posted by her teacher in Maine and may enter a discussion forum with a classmate in Switzerland.

It's the second online English class Lecus has taken thanks to Fritsche's partnership with an international provider of online courses, and the seventh-grader said she likes the fact that she can work ahead of the traditional curriculum and earn credits toward high school.

In Milwaukee and elsewhere, more middle and high schools are starting to offer online classes to students during the day in place of one or more face-to-face classes.

Fully virtual schools in Wisconsin continue to attract students who pursue their entire educations through the Internet, but adding online classes to the options students have during a traditional school day is a trend that may combine the best of both worlds.

Advocates say students learn to work independently and can take harder courses in preparation for college while also getting in-school support from teachers and peers.

The blend of instruction may also fill the void at schools where budget cuts have forced teaching staff reductions or the elimination of certain courses. The trend is also likely to gain steam as districts make online classes a requirement for graduation, which Milwaukee Public Schools will do starting with the graduating class of 2015.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/education/85916397.html