Online education in Michigan is generating some big bandwidth buzz nationally. The state has the country’s second-best online education program, according to the first-ever national survey of online learning policies and practices. That accomplishment is significant in this digital age, when e-learning is rapidly growing and increasing educational choices. Michigan’s goal should be to take over the No. 1 spot from Florida, working on the growth of quality virtual learning programs to benefit all students.
The Center for Digital Education, which provides technology resources for K-12 and higher education, conducted the review of programs and strategies implemented to promote online learning. The purpose was to ascertain the overall landscape of online learning in U.S. schools. As of this fall, 44 states were offering substantial online learning programs.
Michigan is among the leaders in K-12 online education for a few reasons. In 2006, the Legislature was the first in the nation to require online learning as part of its high school graduation requirements.
The rules require students to take an online course or learning experience, or have the online learning experience incorporated into each of the required 16 credits of the Michigan Merit Core Curriculum.
This move was part of a larger state effort. Requiring more rigorous course work will better prepare young people for the new economy.
Michigan was recognized for its creation of the Michigan Virtual School (MVS), an online resource that enables middle and high schools to provide courses and other learning tools that students wouldn’t typically use. Eligible students include the gifted and talented, those with special needs and students who need to make up a credit. MVS is now one of the largest online course providers in the nation. In 2007-08, there were approximately 11,000 course registrations. That virtual program was funded by the Legislature in 2000 to be operated by the Michigan Virtual University, a private, not-for-profit corporation.
The Michigan Department of Education and Michigan Virtual University created a statewide online professional development portal for Michigan educators called Michigan LearnPort that was also cited by the Center’s staff.
The recognition shows the state’s online learning programs and policies are moving in the right direction. The Department of Education, Governor Jennifer Granholm and the Legislature deserve credit for this forward thinking, and should continue it. Learning is learning — online, in the classroom, or both.
