When K-12 online schools started to appear as a choice for students approximately a decade ago, it was not uncommon to find that the profile of a student enrolling in online courses was someone who was academically strong and do I dare say the "computer geek".
It was not that online learning was a poor fit for academically at-risk students, or for students with learning disabilities but rather that the adults who were responsible for student academic placement were themselves unfamiliar with how online learning would work. Perhaps it was natural to assume that since online learning involved technology that the students most interested in computers would be the best candidates for online learning.
The truth is that online learning is for such students, but also for all types of students. In my experience some of our most successful and memorable students were those who struggled in a traditional classroom yet excelled in their online courses because they found the online environment to be much more engaging, challenging and fun. The online learning environment by its very nature provides for accommodations that are often identified as part of an individualized learning plan for students with learning disabilities. Examples of this include:
• The flexibility to access the courseware and teacher at various times of the day and week when the student is most focused and ready for learning
• The elimination of classroom distractions which is especially important for students who suffer from attention deficit disorder
• The ability to focus on mastery of work rather than completing assignments and moving along with the entire class even if the student did not grasp prior content or demonstrate appropriate skills
• Immediate access for parents to view reports on how their student is progressing and what learning gains have been made
If you child has a learning disability or has struggled academically, consider online learning as an environment that may fit their need and help them to reach their full potential.
If you have questions about the use of online learning and what options may be available to you, feel free to email me at: bruce.friend@sas.com
Bruce Friend is the Director of SAS® Curriculum Pathways®, an award-winning education resource that provides online lessons, engaging tools and activities at no cost to U.S. educators. Bruce has spent the past decade working in the field of online learning. He is a national pioneer in helping to establish the country’s first statewide online program and has been the chief administrator of two state virtual schools. In 2003 he was honored with the “Most Outstanding Achievement in Distance Education” award by the US Distance Learning Association. Prior to joining SAS, Bruce was the Vice President of the North American Council for Online Learning; a non-profit organization that provides support to students, parents, and online learning programs.
