Should High School Be Available Online?

Should High School Be Available Online?

I am currently enrolled in Michigan State University’s online masters program so I am obviously a big believer in technology, but where do we draw the line? I have noticed there are many sites online now where students can receive their high school diploma. (example: http://www.alliedhighschool.com)

I have given this concept much thought and I don’t believe online high school should be an option. Some people may call me a hypocrite, since I am taking advantage of online education, but there stare so many critical lessons learned in a high school that you just can’t get online. High school is a place where students really start to become responsible for themselves. They are held accountable for their grades and making it to class on time. Children learn how to balance extra curricular activities with their studies. Most importantly students learn how to behave socially in society. This is the time when one discovers what behaviors are acceptable and which are not. I think all of these extras are just as important as the academics. Being taken out of a social setting at only 14 years old seems way too young to me.

There are many advantages to online education, but I think students should have to wait until after high school to be in school entirely on the web. Just like any situation there are instances where online schooling may be the only option, but I don’t believe students should have the choice between online schooling and physically attending high school.

Let me know what your thoughts are….

Hello all! My name is Melanie Mannix and I am originally from Riverview, Michigan. I attended MSU for undergrad and have my bachelors degree in Elementary Education. I taught second grade for a year in Michigan before my husband's job took us to Germany for a year. There I worked for Child and Youth Services for the Army. We now live in Greenville, SC where I have taught second grade for the last two years. I teach in a general education classroom and have only moderate knowledge of students with learning disabilities, but I feel like this class will make me a much stronger teacher.

My husband and I celebrated our first anniversary on June 14. We plan to spend a week, for the 4th of July, in the Traverse City area at my family's cottage this summer and I couldn't be more excited. Although I have lived away from Michigan for a few years now I will also consider it home!

I love to do anything outdoors. I spend time in the summer hiking, camping or relaxing by the pool. Please feel free to say hello anytime!!!