Online Education for Students
By Neysa CM Jensen

It's no secret that the Internet has changed everything, from how we shop and do our taxes to how we work and learn. Online learning has made its own mark on education and how it is delivered. Even in regular classrooms, the use of the Internet has infiltrated vocabulary homework (Webster.com) and studying for the SAT (collegeboard.com). Clearly, computerized instruction is here to stay, and it can be a great benefit to many students.

Taking online courses can help children from kindergarten up through high school graduation. It can be the difference for many students. Consider these situations:

• Kate is a student with a severe medical condition that leaves her in excruciating pain. She missed so much school in one semester that she didn't get any credits. Taking courses online at home allows her to work when she is feeling up to it and rest when the pain is bad.
• Erica had such a bad relationship with one of her teachers in junior high that she considered dropping out of school. Through the help of her parents and counselor, she was able to take the course online, thus staying in school and continuing on to high school.
• Melissa wanted to accelerate ahead of her grade level in math so she could fit in all the math she wanted to take in high school. She took Algebra II online concurrently with her regular math class, and was able to start high school one year ahead in math
• Meg wants to graduate a year early. She will take all her required courses online during the summer to complete a semester or more in a concentrated time period.
• Mike took online classes to make up for failing grades in required classes.
• Students who are involved in intense athletic training, such as those aiming for national competitions or even shooting for the Olympic Games, need to spend hours every day in the gym. Online classes mean they can do their schoolwork, often in less time than in a classroom, and thus meet their educational goals while aiming for their dreams.
• Homeschoolers can use online courses and virtual academies to ensure all curriculum areas are covered.
• Some students take courses online to get required coursework out of the way so they can take more electives during the school day. This is extremely helpful to students who want to participate in band, orchestra, art, drama, and other arts areas.
• Students can use online courses to start earning college credits.
• Finally, online classes can fill in gaps from courses not offered by a school, either additional courses in a topic of interest to a student or enrichment-for anyone of any age.

Now, all of these situations have happened before the Internet came into being, but it certainly helps to have another option. The more choices students and parents have, the better they can customize their education to their own needs.

Online learning does have a few drawbacks, which you should take into consideration before enrolling. Most online courses require that a student be fairly self-motivated and self-disciplined. No one but you will supervise and make sure the student is completing assignments, taking tests, etc. Some courses require constant contact with the online teacher, while others do not. If a student is taking a course online at home, the age and maturity of the student should be considered if no one will be home to monitor the child. If you can work it out with the school counselor, online work can be done on computers at school, which works great for students who are taking, say, all but one of their courses at school. They can just go to the library for the online course.

The first step in choosing to take an online class is to talk to the school counselor to make sure the class you plan to take will be accepted by the school and/or school district and your child will receive full credit for it. Counselors can also give you catalogs of courses offered by various sources-most commonly through universities or virtual academies. Do your research and set boundaries and expectations with your student about study schedules and completion of the class. You will want to compare prices. Expect to pay about $100 per semester per class.

With the support of parents, teachers, and counselors, online courses can enhance and round out a student's education. Learning online can help students who would otherwise not stay in school as well as keep advanced students progressing at their own rate. The added flexibility online courses provide means students and parents can make the best choice for their situation.

Neysa CM Jensen is a Boise mother, writer, and musician. Her children have benefited from online courses to accelerate through basic courses, to meet requirements in order to take more electives, and to graduate early.