SOUTHERN INDIANA — As a classroom teacher, I’m not crazy about online schools. I like to think that I can challenge, question, excite and ignite students in a way no Internet program ever could. I’m also a realist. If Indiana wants to improve high school and college graduation rates, we must make education as flexible as possible. On-line learning is the way to do that.

On Aug. 23, the inaugural class will enroll in Indiana Connections Academy, an on-line charter school being offered on a pilot basis by the Indiana Department of Education for students in grades 1-8.

Pupils work at home under guidance from family mentors and on-line certified teachers, who can deliver interactive lessons to groups of students or individuals as needed. The students take part in extra-curricular activities, such as Internet chess clubs, and go on field trips with peers from the online community. It’s home schooling but with a standardized curriculum aligned to state proficiency requirements. As with other public schools, taxpayers foot the bill.

For the rest of the article, go to NEAL: Let’s embrace online learning

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Indiana’s second virtual charter school is taking applications for students in first through eighth grades.

Spokeswoman Pat Laystrom says Indiana Connections Academy Virtual Pilot School will serve about 280 students from around the state.

Students receive personalized learning plans but do their work from home. A certified teacher will work with them in live, online classrooms and by phone.

For the rest of the article, go to Second virtual charter enrolling for fall