Parents Talk: Going Back to School Online
Would you consider virtual learning for your child?
Would you let your child forgo the traditional classroom and learn by computer instead?
Lately, I've noticed a large amount of advertising for K-12 online school programs through MTS Minnesota Connections Academy and Minnesota Virtual Academy, among others.
I decided to find out more.
Minnesota public school students may enroll in a full-time online program or they may choose to take supplemental courses (taken in place of a course period during the regular school day).
According to the Minnesota Department of Education, all online courses offered through certified programs are: Taught by Minnesota licensed teachers; Meet or exceed state academic standards; Transfer to other public school districts; Apply to high school graduation.
If online learning is approved as a school option by the state's department, is it a good idea for your child?
A report released last month by university researchers is the latest to question the merits of schools run by K12 Inc., and other online learning progams by extension. K12 is the nation's largest virual school company. In Minnesota, the company runs Minnesota Virtual Academy, IQ Academy Minnesota, Insight School of Minnesota and eMinnesota Online Academy.
The report, titled Understanding and Improving Full-Time Virtual Schools (released by the National Education Policy Center at the University of Colorado) found that students enrolled in K12 lag behind in math and reading compared to their traditionally-taught peers. K12 disputes these results.
On the other hand, there are benefits to cyber school.
For kids with time constraints, like rigorous athletic schedules or illnesses requiring intense treatment, the flexibility of online schooling could be the answer.
Students who have trouble with the traditional route in some way can also find reward in the online option.
“Plainly put, my kids were teased brutally and the public school system did nothing about it," one mom said in a Minnesota Parent article.
Would you consider online school for your child? Why or why not? Tell us in the comments below.
Shakopee Mom
9:36 am on Thursday, August 9, 2012
I am considering it for my student to make up some credits to graduate on time without going to summer school.
Becky Glander
9:38 am on Thursday, August 9, 2012
Hi Shakopee Mom, that sounds like a great idea. Would you ever consider full-time online only?
Shakopee Mom
1:05 pm on Thursday, August 9, 2012
No, I had friends that did that for their high schoolers and it failed miserably for them. The kids wouldn't do the required work. My student is too social and needs to be in a school setting. I feel that interaction with peers is life lessons that need to be learned.
Linda Ryan
12:02 pm on Thursday, August 9, 2012
My Son will be a Sr. this year, and has attended MTS Connections Academy since 9th grade, due to chronic health issues. Curriculum is very similar to local public school and offers Honors and AP. Since he was able to do his schoolwork around the times he was sick, he didn't miss huge chunks of info. He's taking full-time PSEO classes this Fall and will be able to graduate early this Winter. I'm so glad we have alternatives to brick-and-mortar schools. Note: not all online schools are accredited, free or equal- if you are considering an online school - make sure to check them out.
Wendy Erlien
2:22 pm on Thursday, August 9, 2012
Any tips on how to check out accreditation for these schools?
Matt Kasowicz
12:02 pm on Thursday, August 9, 2012
As an online high school teacher, I can easily say this option is great for many students. It allows those who may have run out of options, an alternative way to earn their high school diploma. With any educational situation it is important to research any setting you will be putting your child in.
Anna Schier
11:39 pm on Thursday, August 9, 2012
Hi Matt! I'm interested to hear more about how the logistics of instruction work with online education. Do you teach via email, webcam? How do you effectively communicate with students, despite the physical distance?
Matt Kasowicz
9:39 am on Friday, August 10, 2012
Anna,
For our school, BlueSky Online High School, we utilize a 24/7 course availability. Students can work whenever possible in a given day. Teachers will have live class (online) sessions for those students who are available during the typical school day, to work on lessons and answer questions. We also have the availability to record those sessions so all students can utilize them. We use all major forms of communication in order to talk with students: text, phone, skype etc. We have a 3-person team setup that gives each student direct access to their own social worker, counselor, and homebase advisor (homeroom teacher). These are people are the bridge to the school and the homebase advisor is in constant contact with the student to help with anything. With our staff also spread out around the state, we are able to have regional meetings or testing sites to assist those students in our outlying areas. If you have any other specific questions, please feel free to contact me at mkasowicz@blueskyschool.org
Thanks!
Anna Schier
12:22 pm on Friday, August 10, 2012
Thanks for your explanation! It sounds like a very comprehensive structure.
Kelly
12:30 pm on Thursday, August 9, 2012
My kids have attended MTSMCA for 3 years. For us, virtual school is best aspects of both homeschooling and brick and mortar schools. No homework in evening, impromptu fieldtrips and pacing our lesson schedule each day.
rob_h78
1:55 pm on Thursday, August 9, 2012
My son attends a physical school, however, I have sign him up for one or two K12 virtual classes each year for extra work and we find the classes to be well created and helpful.
Holly's Mom
3:11 pm on Thursday, August 9, 2012
My daughter is attending MNVA, and has been for the past two years. She is in high school and I have found the instruction to be challenging in most of her classes with extremely competent teachers. I have been very impressed with this school. Like what others people have said, check out the different schools. We checked out different virtual schools and MNVA stood out from the others. Out daughter has made many friends through the school and will get together with them through socials the school provides. She also remains friends with kids she had from public school. I do believe a high schooler needs to be self motivated to do the work or they can get behind. It is an adjustment, but I think for us, it works!
Thomas
4:36 pm on Thursday, August 9, 2012
I guess it would honestly depend. High school kids who need to make up credit or cannot attend school for other circumstances (or want to finish early) yes. But for younger kids, I'm not sure. I can see how it can also help with crowding in schools too, but again, in the end it is going to be up to the student (and/or parent, too) to keep up the work.
Cathi
7:58 pm on Thursday, August 9, 2012
I wish there had been these options when my kids were in school. 2 of my 4 would have really benefitted. One other possibly. The 4th was/is very social and would have done better in a traditional school
NS
8:28 pm on Monday, August 20, 2012
Our oldest is going into 11th grade and has been in MNVA for 11 years. He loves it, and its a great fit for him! Our 9th grader is going to try it this year too. It wasn't a perfect fit for him when he was younger, but we're going to try it for high school and see how it goes. Our youngest has been MNVA for several years also. We love the flexibility it gives our kids and our family! We love being part of their education! We love that they are excelling and working ahead of grade level! We consider it a huge blessing to have this option for our kids in MN. There are still many states that don't allow many options for kids in their education and that only hurts the kids!