This week is National Distance Learning Week, sponsored by the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA). It is an opportunity to mark the impressive growth of distance learning. Online educational opportunities for students from kindergraten through doctorate levels are growing in North Carolina and throughout the country.
This year more than one in four college students is taking at least one online course. Since 2007, Michigan has required all high school students to take at least one online course to qualify for graduation. Beginning this school year, Florida requires all school districts to have a virtual school option for all grades, K-12.
Online education is growing here in North Carolina too. The North Carolina School of Science and Math now has a two-year program for high school students who excel in science and math. The program extends the reach of the school's existing residential high school program.
North Carolina high school students can take online courses through the NC Learn and Earn program. This program allows students to take online community college courses using their high school's computer lab and equipment. Learn and Earn allows local high schools to better meet learner needs by giving students access to a wider selection of courses.
North Carolina colleges and universities are offering increasing numbers of online courses to meet students' needs and better serve the increasing number of adult learners returning to college to improve their education and career opportunities. Additionally more and more North Carolina higher education institutions are making courses available for free through the iTunesU program.
Online learning opportunities, both formal and informal allow learners of all ages to access unique and exciting educational options that allow them to expand their learning beyond the traditional classroom. How is your school district using online learning? Are you taking online courses? This week is a great opportunity to see what kind of online learning options are available locally and nationally.
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