Digital Learning!

Digital learning efforts compute well for state

At least in the world of virtual classrooms, Michigan has something to brag about. The state’s K-12 digital learning policies and resource programs for online education were recently ranked second best in the na­tion, trailing only Florida. The salute from the Center for Digital Education, a national research institute, is a surprising and welcome break from the endless economic downers cas­cading our way. It could help Michigan attract high-tech em­ployers and, longer term, even bring some stability to the state’s economy if the students who are now gaining increased access to critical computer learning stick around long enough for Michigan employers to benefit from their added skills. For now, state education lead­ers should plan to build on the national validation of a deter­mined effort to link students to more competitive and creative learning opportunities. Gov. Jennifer Granholm and the Leg­islature clearly made a wise move two years ago by including online learning as a component of tougher high school gradua­tion requirements. The other jewel in Michigan’s online learning crown is the rap­id growth of the Michigan Virtu­al School, where middle and high school students can sign up for courses ranging from algebra to Mandarin Chinese and make up missed assignments. While just over 500 schools make use of the service, there’s plenty of room for Michigan to do more. The most obvious op­tion is exploring ways to widen access to include students be­yond those who are either aca­demically gifted or have special needs. None of this is to suggest an end to classroom learning. That’s still the way most people will get most of their schooling for the foreseeable future. But given how mightily Michigan is struggling to dent its dropout numbers, expanded virtual learning should be a broader option. Boredom in the classroom is consistently the main reason given for students who walk away from high school. Expan­ded online learning could be one way of recharging those students before they are permanently disconnected from education.

PAUL LACHINE/Special to the Free Press