Distance Learning Grows

In an article written in the New York Times, Sam Dillon discusses the rising participation in distance learning and the positive and negative affects that it has on our children. Recently, distance learning has expanded, and more opportunities for taking classes online have been provided for not only middle and high school students, but for elementary students as well. The issue is that some of these classes are funded by the state taxes, and others are not. As these types of classes become more popular, a more standardized set of restrictions should be in place. Many of the schools have freedom to do what they please with their funds, and in the long run this could take away from the public school system.
From the educators perspective, such classes are a great opportunity for students who do not have the educational resources that they desire offered where they live. A child living in a rural area, away from a school that offers a foreign language for example, can get this type of class online instead. The schools that offer these classes should be kept in check as far as the quality of education that they are offering as well.
It can be concluded that although distance is more convenient and a great option for many students, the schools need to be held responsible for the way that they spend their money and the quality of education that they are providing.

Citation: Dillon, Sam. Online Schooling Grows, Setting Off a Debate. New York Times Magazine. 1 February, 2008. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/01/education/01virtual.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1