Here’s an interesting piece of news that I can accross. In a recent question/ answer session with teachers, Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty stated that he would like to make taking at least one online class a high school graduation requirement in order to teach necessary online skills and prepare students for online classes in college.
“They’re going to do this anyhow – the only question is ‘Are we going to be ahead of it, or trailing it?’” Says Pawlenty
One of the things that we continue to hear about in progressive education is the idea of modular, customizable educational experiences. I think that this kind of modular education options are going to come largely in the form of multiple online options for high school and middle school students. I also applaud Gov. Pawlenty for working to be ahead of the curve instead of behind it. I’m also a supporter of the idea that each level of education needs to be aware of its role in the overall education process. As a middle school technology educator I am aware that my role is to prepare my students with the appropriate technological skills to be successful in High School. Gov. Pawlenty is taking the same position in that it is the role of high schools to be sure that their students are prepared with the skills they will need to be successful in college and the professional world, including quickly increasing online courses and professional training.
Read the full article at the Minnesota Public Radio homepage: http://tinyurl.com/5quxjd
