The Michigan State Board of Education is set to approve a new graduation requirement today that would make every high-school student in the state take at least one online course before receiving a diploma. The new requirement would appear to be the first of its kind in the nation. Mike Flanagan, the Michigan state superintendent of public instruction, said he proposed the online-course requirement, along with other general requirements, to make sure students were prepared for college and for jobs, which are becoming more technology-focused. "We don't want our kids left in the global dust," Mr. Flanagan said. "It's an experience we need to have."
They did approve it and send it on to the legislature. I don't like state mandates like this, but it is interesting in light of some of our discussions regarding education in the future.
I never took an online course in school. This is a sign of the changing times, but it seems kind of extreme. Why not have online requirements as part of other courses?
ReplyDeleteI don't like state mandated graduation requirements, but I do wonder what restrictions there are regarding content? length of course (or credit granted)/ Also, do they take it at school on a school computer or at home? What if there is a charge for the course? I guess I better get online and start getting answers to my questions!
ReplyDeleteI think this is fascinating because it certainly seems to be a trend in college. In fact, many courses Becca (my husband's sister we raised) needs at UNC, are online courses. She is computer saavy, so she will do fine. I can see the importance for students to have used blogs, discussion boards, etc. prior to getting into college. I'm not sure that it should be a mandate, but I do think it is important for us teachers to consider adding these elements (as we are) to our classes.
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