The Future of Home Education

As distance learning grows more popular, parents are beginning to consider home education for their children. As the youngest generation grows up online, the future of education looks more digital than ever.
Completing a course online gives young students a chance to discover the advantages of distance learning. As a result, more students are prepared for the online format, and more willing to take courses online in college.

Distance Learning and High School

High schools in Michigan are now requiring students to complete at least one course online. Education experts hope that Michigan Virtual High School will make students more comfortable with distance learning, making them more likely to complete another course online in the future.
The future of home education is also going digital. Where students once had to come into contact offline with a teacher, they can now complete their entire courseload online, from home.

Home Education: The Next Step

What does this mean for America's students? For parents who are interested in home education but don't feel qualified to teach, a course online puts students in touch with professional educators. For students in rural areas, going to school no longer means hours on the bus.
The North American Council for Online Education reports that 40% of adults think that online courses should be required for high school students. Students who complete a course online may be more likely to continue their education from a distance, and training and education online may become more commonplace. This next generation of students could change the face of the U.S. education system.
Sources:
North American Council for Online Education
"Virtual High School" by Kathy Ishizuka for School Library Journal

Amelia Gray is a teacher and freelance writer in San Marcos, TX. Amelia earned a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature from Arizona State University.