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An online charter school is an innovative public school which uses online resources and technologies as a method of instruction.
Public charter schools are rapidly increasing both in popularity and in enrollment across the United States. There are currently more than 1.3 million children who call a charter school their learning home.
In 2007, over 92,000 kids were enrolled in 173 online charter schools.
Online learning, e-learning, or virtual education, are terms describing education which use Internet-based tools for education.
Charter schools receive public funding. Most states require that charter schools give state exams (although some states permit parents to sign a waiver and have their children excempt from mandated state testing). In addition, most online schools use various tests to assess students progress.
Some e-charter schools are fully designed as home based learning, other offer virtual learning in a brick-and-mortar school facility, or a combination of online and real time instruction.
With technology as a cultural component of the American lifestyle, it is no wonder that more and more families are comfortable with virtual education.
Kids are also getting introduced to computers at an early age. Companies like Fisher Price manufacture computer attachments geared toward toddlers, and ample learning software is designed specifically for preschoolers and beyond.
Here are some benefits of e-charter schools:
- Online charter schools are tuition free.
- It’s accessible. Online charter schools make choice in public education available for rural students. If you have Internet access, you can learn online. Virtual charter schools offer different solutions to making preferred technology available to students (check with the charter school of interest for their policy).
- E-learning provide an individualized learning environment, permitting students to progress at their own rate.
- Online education can be effective in reaching students who may otherwise not graduate.
- Charter schools have more freedom in choosing curricula and trying new innovative teaching techniques. This freedom is offset with increased accountability (See Education 101: Are charter schools public schools?)
- Virtual learning can be a great option for a family who wish to homeschool, but unsure of how and what to teach. However, it is notable that the majority of online learners come from prior brick-and-mortar education programs.
- Different approach to academic instruction.Teaching takes skill. Teaching online takes special talent. Internet learning is not for everyone. While some education professionals try it, decide it’s not for them and move on; others thrive in the expansive universe of technology based education. The teachers who enjoy online teaching often speak of reaching more kids and increased professional flexibility.
- There may be more individual learning time in an online environment.
- Internet-based learning prepares young adults for a future involving technology.
For more information, please visit the following links:
Welcome to the Education 101: Charter Schools Edition. Over the course of the next couple of months you will find several articles throughout the Examiner which answers some of the frequently asked questions about charter schools. If you wish to receive these editorials plus other commentaries from the Charter Schools Examiner directly to your email, please subscribe for free above. Here is a list of additional Examiners who write about charter schools:
Denver Charter Schools Examiner--coming soon!
Comments
Online education is the wave of the future, and growing quickly. It can be very efficient.
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