Red Comet - Digital Learning

Washington State – A Role Model in Promoting Online Learning

Online learning has been making inroads within the US education system for some years now. Starting from humble beginnings, distance learning has today become one of the fastest growing segments in education. However, it has not been embraced with equanimity by all states in the nation. Some states lag behind in instituting online high schools and other forms of digital learning, while some states lead the way into the future. Washington State is a role model for other states in promoting online learning. Numerous virtual high school programs can be found in the state, including Red Comet, an accredited online high school that has served resident students in Washington for more than 10 years.

In the Beginning

Distance learning in Washington got its official start in 2009 with the creation of the Digital Learning Department, which has become the successor to the Digital Learning Commons, though the DLC is still active in some areas of distance learning in the state. The office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) was mandated to provide information about and access to online high school programs and courses to resident students.

It was also mandated to create a multi-district review process for current and potential program providers so that students would continue to benefit from having the highest quality high school education online. As such, the Digital Learning Department is responsible for both policing education program providers and for ensuring that students in Washington have access to approved online courses of study.

The State of Online Learning in Washington State

Since the inception of the Digital Learning Department, the state has seen online high school programs blossom and spread. Currently, there are at least 35 distance learning providers in the state. There are no charter school laws in Washington, and each of the 35 programs is operated by a Washington school district, though several districts have collaborated with online learning providers like Red Comet, an accredited online high school.

Within those 35 programs, almost 16,000 students are enrolled between full-time education and supplemental education programs. In addition, nearly 75% of those students taking distance education courses in the state are high school students.

Washington State has also led the way in terms of providing a “traditional” public school education for online students in that many of the online high schools in the state are free for resident students to attend. The schools receive funding from the state government in order to operate, just like traditional high schools. In addition, the state requires that each school district provide students within their district with information regarding their options in terms of online accredited high schools.

As you can see, in comparison with many other states, Washington has made significant strides in making online learning a significant option for students and for ensuring the quality of online high schools operating within the state. Washington State should serve as an example for other states still struggling to solidify their distance education programs.

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Understanding the Online Learning Options in Texas State

While Texas might not have the same number of online learning options as some other states (such as Washington), the Lone Star State has made considerable strides in providing distance education options for many different students. Currently, there are two state virtual schools open to students, including the Texas Virtual School Network and the Electronic Course Program. However, there are other options available as well, including Red Comet, an accredited online high school that offers both English and Spanish coursework for students.

Free Public School Courses

One of the first things that potential students should understand about distance education in the state of Texas is the fact that the state offers resident students the ability to attend a virtual high school at no charge so long as it is provided by a public school in the state. Public schools have to meet several different requirements in order to be freely available to resident students, including being funded by the state government, offering classes to state residents and being fully available online. All public schools in the state are authorized to offer online courses to students enrolled in that school.

Accreditation and Accountability

All online courses offered within the TxVSN (Texas Virtual School Network) undergo review to ensure that they conform to state requirements. In order to meet these requirements, the course has to comply with iNACOL, as well as Texas accreditation/quality standards. All teachers involved with online high schools in Texas must be certified through the state.

Information for Parents and Students on Comparing Online High Schools

For parents and students, the importance of choosing the best online high schools cannot be overstated. It is vital that students attend online high schools in Texas with accreditation. Thankfully, there are numerous accredited high schools online in which students can participate.

In addition, both students and parents should consider if the school offers computer-based instruction or online learning. The differences in these two instruction methods are significant, and students will find that they might learn better in one or the other (currently, online learning offers some advantages over purely-computer based instruction simply from the point of enhanced student-teacher interaction and greater interactivity with other students). For example, Red Comet is an accredited online high school that can provide interaction for students on a state, national and even global basis.

Advanced Students

For advanced students who want to take advantage of distance learning, it’s important to find an online high school for gifted learners. For instance, advanced placement high school courses online can offer the challenge that these students need to remain engaged, as well as providing them with college credit in several different subjects.

Finding online high schools that meet these criteria can seem challenging. However, there are options available for students who need the benefits that can only be found through distance education. In addition, some students might find that blended learning courses offer them the advantages they need, as these classes combine digital learning with traditional classwork.

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The State of Online Learning

Online learning was once unheard of in the US. You would have been hard pressed to find any accredited online high schools, though distance learning has been around for many years. Today, it’s evolving quickly, as more and more states realize the immense benefits that distance learning can offer students, and more parents realize that digital learning might be the best route for their children’s educational future. Of course, the state of online learning varies across the nation. Some states have well-developed online high schools, while others are just now taking an interest.

Full-time Online High Schools

Currently, there are not that many options for students in need of full-time online high schools. Most states do not offer any type of full-time learning. However, there are some exceptions to this. You will find that the following states do have full-time accredited online high schools:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Kansas
• Minnesota
• Nevada
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• Texas
• Utah
• Washington
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Of course, even these programs vary considerably and not all of them are available to every student in the state. For instance, Utah has two fulltime charter schools and more on the way, while Washington has 15 statewide programs and 20 single-district programs, and some of their online accredited high schools have been in operation for a very long time. Red Comet is an accredited online high school in Washington that has been serving students for more than a decade.

Supplemental Online High Schools

While fulltime online high schools might not be as widespread as they could be, you’ll find that most states offer at least some options in the realm of supplemental online high schools. In fact, it’s easier to list the states that do not have some sort of supplemental program in place. The following states have either no supplemental accredited online high school courses or they are available to a very limited number of students:

• Delaware
• New York

The following states have limited schools that are available to some students, but not most:

• Alaska
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Nebraska
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

As a note, many states with limited supplemental online high schools do have full-time accredited online high schools, though not all do.

The Rise of State Virtual Schools

One of the growing trends in online learning is the growth and spread of state virtual schools. Quite a few states have a state virtual school, including:

• Georgia
• Alabama
• Mississippi
• Louisiana
• Texas
• New Mexico
• Colorado
• Utah
• Idaho
• Montana
• North Dakota
• South Dakota
• Iowa
• Missouri
• Arkansas
• Illinois
• Connecticut
• Michigan
• Wisconsin
• Kentucky
• Tennessee
• South Carolina
• North Carolina
• Maryland
• Florida
• West Virginia
• Virginia

Only a handful of states have no state-led initiatives at all. States without a state virtual school or state-led initiative include Maine, New York, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Arizona, Nevada and Indiana. Parents and teachers should expect this number to dwindle as the benefits of accredited high schools online become more apparent.

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The Online Learning Environment and the Role of the Online Teacher

Many people assume that the online learning environment is relatively static, and courses from online high schools consist of little more than sitting in front of a computer screen and reading course material. However, this is a misconception – the world of online learning is far more dynamic and interactive than most people suspect. While a handful of programs might consist of little more than reading, a quality high school education online will involve the student on multiple levels.

Digital High School Offers Interaction

One of the most significant misconceptions about online high schools is that they involve virtually no interaction or communication. However, virtual high school programs actually offer a very high level of interaction between students and teachers. In fact, the learning management system that delivers online courses provides several key tools for communication, as well as tools for instruction and assessment. For instance, Red Comet is an accredited online high school that offers personal interaction and instruction between students and teachers, ensuring that all students receive the attention they require.

The Teacher’s Role

To some, it might seem that teachers involved in high school education online have very little to do with students on a personal basis. However, online teachers are just as important as their counterparts in the physical world are. The job consists of the same requirements – only the medium of communication has changed. Teachers are still responsible for guiding students through their studies, for assessing student comprehension and information retention, promoting students when they have completed their coursework and more. Some teachers even have a hand in developing the content for the courses they teach. Many teachers report that they are actually able to spend significantly more time with each student on a one-on-one basis.

Potential Instructional Materials

As mentioned, one of the misconceptions about virtual high school programs is that they consist mostly of reading and memorizing. That misconception can be easily disproved by a quick glance at coursework from the best online high schools. Instructional materials and coursework can include reading material, certainly, but it also includes video presentations, audio information, animated coursework, digitized textbooks and interactive quizzes designed to enhance a student’s capacity to retain information presented. This is far from a static, reading-only learning environment.

Testing and Assessment

Just like a traditional classroom, high school education online requires regular assessment of a student’s retention. This is done through quizzes, tests, interactive learning programs, collaborative study environments, discussions and many other methods. Both individual and group work are used by teachers to assess a student’s progress, as well. For instance, Red Comet is an accredited online high school that offers comprehensive testing, quizzes and other assessment tools to ensure that students retain the information necessary.

However, there are some differences here. Typically, course providers are not obligated to provide exit exams or standardized tests. Instead, it is the parents’ responsibility or the registered homeschool where the student is enrolled. The exception to this is in the case of fulltime online schools, which do provide standardized tests and exit exams for students.

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Notable Online Learning Developments in the US

Online learning has been available in the US for a number of years. However, during that time, it has undergone significant changes. From new online high schools coming online throughout the nation to new teacher certification options, it’s almost a brand new world out there. In fact, many of these developments highlight a growing trend toward making accredited online high schools more accessible to everyone.

Washington Sees the Need

As an example of making online high schools more accessible to all, the state of Washington has enacted a new requirement for state school boards to implement an online learning policy in order to gain certification from the state for any online program that spans multiple districts. Red Comet is an accredited online public high school in the state of Washington, and has been serving students there for more than 10 years.

Wisconsin Prepares Teachers

With the growing number of students seeking to earn accredited online high schools diplomas, Wisconsin is taking steps to ensure that teachers are prepared for the future. The state now mandates that any teachers involved in online programs must have spent 30 hours of professional development in a setting designed to help prepare teachers for the differences in online learning, based on teaching standards developed by iNACOL.

Connecticut Opens Its Doors

Connecticut is paving the way for online high schools with accredited programs by instituting a two-fold policy. The first portion of this program allows teachers to have teaching certification from any state, rather than only from Connecticut. The second portion mandates the creation of an online “credit recovery” program by any school district with a dropout rate of 8% of more.

Idaho and Washington State See Changing Trends with Online High Schools

Idaho and Washington have seen significant changes with accredited online high schools, and those changes have been reflected in audits conducted by the states. While previous years’ audits often highlighted areas in which improvement was needed for online high schools, 2010 saw far fewer areas highlighted where change was required. Instead, these audits reflected the growth of online learning in these two states in terms of the number of students now enrolling in accredited online high schools and the growth rate of online programs within the states.

New York and Los Angeles See Growth with Accredited High Schools Online

New York City began offering their Advanced Placement program, as well as online credit recovery and new options for blended courses in 2010. Los Angeles also saw the debut of their first fulltime online high school in 2010.

Michigan and Massachusetts Get in Gear

Massachusetts now requires that all online high schools have a 25% enrollment rate from within the school district that created the online school, though schools are limited to no more than 500 students (and there is a waiver for the 25% prerequisite). Michigan has started their first fulltime online high schools with accredited courses, though enrollment is limited to just two schools in the state during this trial run.

Online high schools with accredited courses are becoming standard offerings throughout the US as more and more states bring programs online after realizing the immense benefits and the inherent need for distance learning. Throughout it all, Red Comet provides reputable, accredited online learning options.

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Mobile Learning – Is It in Your Future?

Distance learning has changed the face of education in the United States forever. However, not very long ago it was little more than an abstract concept that few students, parents or teachers truly understood. That has changed significantly, as more and more online schools begin offering digital learning for students, like Red Comet, an accredited online high school offering full-time, supplemental and credit retrieval courses. Things are changing once more, though, and mobile learning might be the next big thing. What is mobile learning and why should you know about it?

What Is Mobile Learning?

Mobile learning is technically a subset of distance learning. The difference between traditional distance learning models and mobile learning is that mobile learning holds the promise of making education possible in virtually any setting, at any time. While mobile learning remains a small subset of the education system, there are signs that it’s set to grow rapidly in a very short time.

Unlike distance learning, mobile learning does not require that a student be at home (or a similar static location) to complete his or her studies. For instance, a student could be on a cross-country trip with her parents, but complete her coursework via a 3G connected tablet computer, or even on a smartphone with a 3G or 4G connection. Moreover, as 4G technology expands and more areas are able to stream media at higher rates, with fewer bandwidth restrictions, more and more students will find this type of education available to them. Of course, many virtual high school programs can be accessed this way now, such as Red Comet, an accredited online high school.

The Question of Devices

Distance learning has traditionally been completed on PCs or laptops in a home setting. Mobile learning is usually thought to take place on devices such as smartphones or on iPods and similar devices. However, the rise of tablet computers is changing things considerably. While these are larger devices and therefore somewhat less portable, they’re far more conducive to a larger range of mobile learning activities than the small screen found on an iPod Touch.

Accessibility

The question of accessibility in mobile learning has to be addressed. Many educators and parents point to the fact that traditional distance learning programs offer a better range of educational courses and related programming. However, informational apps, podcasts and programming are making mobile learning far more accessible than ever before, and are set to explode in coming years. While iTunes might be the most visible aspect here, there are many others, including new educational options coming online via the Android Market and Amazon Appstore.

Of course, students interested in mobile learning are not relegated to apps and podcasts alone. Many curriculum developers and online content development companies are realizing the benefits offered by mobile learning and are beginning to roll out offerings in this area in addition to traditional digital learning platforms.

Ultimate Integration Coming Soon

All of these changes in the distance learning field signify one thing: unification and integration is on the horizon. In fact, many school districts are actively seeking digital learning options that can span devices, from desktop PCs to tablets, smartphones and digital entertainment devices.

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Making the Most of Blended Learning

Distance learning was once strictly virtual. However, as education continues to change and evolve with the help of modern technology, new developments occur with increasing frequency. One of those changes is the rise of blended learning. Blended learning differs significantly from both traditional in-person classes and from distance learning via accredited online high schools. Schools such as Red Comet, an accredited online high school, are beginning to use blended learning to provide students with immense advantages.

What Is Blended Learning?

Blended learning is a relatively simple concept – it’s a program that combines the benefits of online accredited high schools with those of face-to-face learning. You might be more familiar with these programs under the name “hybrid” programs or courses. Many students, parents and even teachers and administrators are unclear on the benefits offered by blended learning.

In its simplest form, blended learning offers two instruction delivery methods – in-person classes and digital learning. However, it can become somewhat complicated, as the term can also be applied to a variety of other situations. For instance, a school that offers both online and in-person courses can be considered to offer blended learning. Courses that combine both traditional and distance learning are also considered blended learning.

 Getting the Most from Blended Learning from Online High Schools

For students, it’s important to get the most out of all instruction delivery methods, including blended learning. Thankfully, these courses do offer some significant benefits, including greater personalization and a far richer experience for the student.

Blended learning can be enormously beneficial for students, as it provides a way to achieve social benefits associated with classroom-based learning, as well as the individualized learning benefits that are the hallmark of digital learning. Students also benefit from cultural learning, physical education in PE classes and instruction in music and art, as well.

As a student, it can be very easy to realize educational benefits with blended learning. For instance, the online portions of the coursework can be completed at a student’s own pace, ensuring that information can be retained and skills can be mastered properly. In addition, because of the in-class portion of the coursework, students can learn from peers, question teachers in person and more. Students can also take advantage of blended learning with advanced placement courses through providers like Red Comet, an accredited online high school offering fulltime and supplemental learning solutions.

In addition, blended learning offers benefits to schools, as well as to students and parents.

Consider the encroaching compliance date for No Child Left Behind. As 2014 nears, more and more schools will begin failing to meet these mandates. These “low performing” schools will suffer dramatic repercussions of failing to meet the objectives set forth in No Child Left Behind, including being closed permanently. However, turnaround strategies utilizing blended learning are beginning to come to the forefront here. Blended learning courses used as turnaround strategies are usually classroom-based affairs, rather than being distance learning-based. Because students will be provided with greater individualized learning, it is easier to measure progress or a lack thereof and make any necessary changes. Moreover, changes can be made on a student by student, classroom or entire school basis.

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Computer-Based Instruction and Online Learning Offer Benefits

Much has been made of virtual high school programs in recent years. However, despite their growing popularity and availability, there is sometimes a paucity of information regarding distance education. For instance, what are the characteristics of computer-based instruction? What benefits does attending a digital academy offer? Why would a student choose a school like Red Comet, an accredited online high school that offers advanced placement high school courses online, along with credit retrieval, credit enhancement and full-time courses?

Instruction

One of the characteristics that differ with online learning in comparison to computer-based instruction is in the realm of direction. In computer-based instruction, all instruction comes from the computer. However, in an online learning program, instruction comes from a teacher through a learning management system, such as the one offered by Red Comet, an accredited online high school provider serving students throughout the United States and around the world.

Teachers

The role of the teacher differs between computer-based instruction and online learning systems, as well. In an online learning environment, the teacher’s role includes assessing progress for students, delivering instructions and providing personalization for each student. In a computer-based instruction program, the teacher’s role is to provide motivation, guidance and supervision for the student, rather than personalization and assessment.

Personalization

Personalization also differs in online high school programs that offer computer-based instruction and digital learning environments. Here, personalization is provided by the computer and allows the student to learn at his or her own pace. In an online learning system, personalization is provided only by the teacher and is based on the teacher’s assessment of the student’s skills, performance, aptitudes and abilities.

Interactivity

Interactivity is one of the most important hallmarks of any accredited online high school, whether computer-based or an online learning system. However, the level of interactivity between the two systems is very different. In a computer-based instruction environment, the student only interacts with the software through games, interactive quizzes and the like. However, in an online learning environment, students can interact with the teacher and with other students in varying capacities (the degree of interactivity varies from one program to another). For instance, online learning can allow students to familiarize themselves with modern technology like blogging or social media in the company of other students.

What Benefits Are Offered?

Both computer-based instruction and online learning models offer students benefits. For example, computer-based instruction offers scalable instruction, which means that instruction can be scaled to meet the student’s needs. It can also offer scaffolding and immediate feedback, providing the student with vital information immediately after completing a test or even answering a single question. Automatic personalization is also a benefit here.

Benefits found with online high schools using online learning systems include teacher-led flexibility, which can be greater than computer-based scalability. Teacher-led flexible learning offers far more refinement and scalable flexibility to benefit students. In addition, online learning systems offer students connections on at least a statewide basis, though some offer a nationwide or even global connection basis for students enrolled in an online high school.

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A Look at the Types of Online Education Programs

Digital learning comes in a variety of different forms, from supplemental courses to full-time schools and everything in between. On top of this, you have different categories that include online state agencies, single-district programs and post-secondary classes delivered in a distance learning format. For parents considering a virtual academy or other digital learning platform for their children, understanding the different online education programs is very important. What might you find out there?

Full-time School

A full-time distance learning provider provides the same educational experience a student would receive in a traditional classroom. These are usually multi-district or single-district programs, and usually have a statewide reach. For example, Red Comet is an accredited online high school that provides full-time courses for students.

Supplemental

Supplemental courses are exactly what they sound like, and can be broken down into several different categories. For example, a state virtual school usually has a statewide reach, but offers only supplemental education designed to be used in conjunction with other curriculum. A consortium also falls into the realm of supplemental education, though these programs often have a national or even global reach.

Considering Reach

In the above examples, the word reach was used to describe a distance learning academy. Reach is actually a relatively simple concept, and is nothing more than how far the school or curriculum extends. Some digital learning platforms only extend across a single school district. Other programs extend across an entire state. Still others span the nation, or even around the world. Reach is not necessarily an indicator of quality, or school type (supplemental or full-time). There are some virtual academy programs with a national or global reach that act only as supplemental courses, while some single-district programs only have a reach that extends across a single school district, but are full-time programs.

Education Delivery Method

You will also find that some distance learning programs offer different delivery methods. That is, they are either synchronous or asynchronous. Simply put, this is an indicator of when teachers and students work. Most distance learning academy programs use asynchronous learning, where teachers and students are often at work during different times of the day, and not necessarily interacting in “real time”. Some programs do use synchronous delivery, in which teachers and students work at the same time with each other. Synchronous programs can often be more difficult that asynchronous programs, simply because of the time constraints this delivery form places on students and teachers. As an example, Red Comet is an accredited online high school that features asynchronous delivery.

Type of Instruction

Most distance learning programs are fully virtual. That is, the student and teacher work together via an online connection and there is no face-to-face interaction. However, more and more digital learning programs are beginning to combine virtual classes with face-to-face instruction. These are called hybrid or blended course. While they are not necessarily as convenient as fully virtualized programs, they can offer some benefits and are growing in popularity, particularly in the realm of post-secondary education.

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A Look at Online Learning Options in Washington State

Washington State has been one of the leaders in the drive to provide the highest quality online learning solutions for students within the state for many years. For instance, Red Comet, an accredited online high school, has acted as an online high school for gifted learners as well as for students in need of the benefit only distance education can provide for more than 10 years. What online education options can students and parents find in Washington State?

Student Enrollment in Distance Education Programs in Washington

Washington State has some of the highest enrollment numbers in accredited online high schools. Over 1.5% of Washington students are currently enrolled in an online learning program, or almost 16,000 students. This number is an amalgamation of students taking both full-time online learning classes and those enrolled in supplemental courses. The state has at least 15 statewide online high schools, and there are another 20 single-district programs available for students in the state, as well.

Funding Options

Washington is somewhat unique in that students can pay for an accredited online high school, or can take advantage of free options. For example, Red Comet is an accredited online high school available at no charge for Washington State students. However, there are numerous other programs (at least 35) that can be utilized, including the state-led initiative from the Digital Learning Department. Funding from the state is only provided to courses that meet OSPI requirements and other criteria.

Choosing the Right Washington Online Accredited High School

For students and parents, making the right choice in a virtual high school is vital. While it might seem different, choosing a virtual academy is very similar to considering traditional schools. The primary consideration is going to be accreditation – only choose accredited online high schools. Diplomas from unaccredited schools are virtually worthless.

Another important consideration when choosing an online school is if it is full-time or supplemental. Full-time schools provide the same education as would be found in a traditional public classroom, as well as being responsible for administering all state-mandated tests to students. In a supplemental course situation, the parents or the home school to which the student is registered will be responsible for administering tests.

Additional Programs for Returning or Struggling Students

Yet another consideration is whether the school offers high school dropout and recovery programs, as well as the credit transfer options for those who need to make up a course. Credit retrieval is another important consideration for parents and guardians to make when determining the best online high schools for their children.

The Question of Cost for School

The question of cost will arise during any consideration of online high schools. As mentioned previously, some schools receive state funding and are available to students in Washington at no cost. Other schools do not receive any state funding, and tuition must be paid by the student’s parents or guardian. This will obviously make a significant difference in the school chosen.

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