The tables have turned for online education

Online schooling, once thought of as new-wave and experimental, is now an accredited and widely accepted education option for students across the nation. Contrary to the old conventional wisdom, online schools are now recognized as offering challenging classes, advanced academic opportunities and dynamic social interactions -- both in and out of the classroom -- for a rapidly growing number of students.

A recent Department of Education study assessing the academic track record of students in online education sheds some light on the issue. Students completing some or all of their courses online performed better academically than peers in a traditional classroom. These students scored, on average, in the 59th percentile while the average brick-and-mortar student scored in the 50th percentile.

The study cited the ability of the online classroom to individually tailor education to meet each student's needs. Students have the flexibility to learn at their own pace, taking more time on subjects they find more difficult, or advancing rapidly to more challenging material. May educational leaders throughout the United States predict that by the year 2015, 50 percent of all instruction in public education will be offered online -- and some courses and educational content will be exclusively offered over the Web.

Also contrary to popular perceptions, a recent study from The Center for Research in Education Policy at the University of Memphis found that these social implications are far from negative. In fact, the study found that students enrolled in full-time online public schools demonstrated social skills that were superior to or substantially similar to those of students enrolled in traditional public schools. The study found that students were highly engaged in social activities, both inside and outside the classroom. Consequently, fears about the lack of socialization and social skill building in students who access online instruction appears increasingly unfounded.

Nevada is embracing the new technological wave in education by authorizing online schools, such as Beacon Academy of Nevada, in school districts and innovative charter schools. Online schools are offering Nevada students innovative, easy-to-use technology that enables them to learn almost anytime and anywhere. This flexibility enables a learning experience custom made for the diverse lifestyles and responsibilities of students and families.

Students considering online schools should be confident of receiving an education that prepares them for the future.

As much as online education appeals to students seeking advanced course options, it also is a good fit for students who might otherwise have considered dropping out of high school. Many potential dropouts have found they can complete school when given the opportunity to do it online and on their terms. Many of these students then pursue further training or college, often in one of the hundreds of online university or career training programs.

The tables have turned for online education, and the new tables are equipped with laptops, desktops, scanners and smart phones. In Nevada and throughout the United States, an increasing number of students are using the world of technology to tap into an education experience that is challenging, rewarding, interactive, convenient and accountable.

Gary Waters is the former president of the Nevada State Board of Education. He now serves as the executive director of Beacon Academy of Nevada.