Online Learning Takes Off for Students

As students across the region gear up to go back to school, others are just opening up their laptops. Very different from traditional home schooling, online learning has accredited teachers and a set curriculum.

Class is about to start for D.C resident 10-year-old Hannah James, but in her school there's no chalkboard, no lecture, and no pens or paper. Instead, her education is just one click away.

Hanna's mother, Nancy James, enrolled her in an online school five years ago because she felt the pressure of traditional school was having a negative impact on Hannah.

"I began to see it was very regimented and even in kindergarten they were testing them once a week, so Friday was testing day, and I would drive her in, and she was like 5 and I'd watch her face get a little more drawn-- and I thought learning's not supposed to happen this way," Nancy James told FOX 5.

Nancy says since making the change, she's been thriving. She has an online teacher. She studies the traditional subjects, but moves at a pace that works for her.

"It was different and I found out how to use my computer better," Hanna told FOX 5. "And I adjusted to it over time and found different views on how to learn."

Hanna is part of a growing community of K-through-12 students who are getting their education in a non-traditional way.

"What does a world-class education look like and how could every kid access that? We can make that happen with online learning.
Online learning is now available in 32 states," said Susan Patrick of the International Association for K12 Online Learning.

Patrick says for many kids this style of learning is more engaging.

"It's the 21st century and there's a whole wealth of resources they can tap into," Patrick explained. "And when they walk into a school building and shut the door and turn everything off and power down, it's just not relevant anymore."

One of the leaders in this state of the art education is right in our back yard in Reston. K12 is the largest network of certified teachers and the company develops web-based lessons and materials.

For Hanna, it's been life changing—a lesson she won't soon forget.
 

To learn more about online learning and if it's a good fit for your child, follow these links we mentioned on the FOX 5 NewsEdge at 6:

• The Community Academy Public Charter School (CAPCS) Online of Washington DC and K¹²
   
• The International Association for K-12 Online Learning