ODYSSEYWARE

I’m reminded of the commercials on the television about the most uncommon areas users are able to use the internet around the world, due to satellite internet connections when I read this article.  Because online courses are portable, allowing students to access content from nearly anywhere, many rural districts that have access to broadband connections are making the wise move to online courses.  As this article illustrates, this option is gaining steam quickly.

The term is “distance learning” and it encompasses just about any class in which the teacher is not physically in the classroom. Distance-learning courses include interactive-TV classes — where classrooms at several locations are linked through video feed — and online courses in which students attend virtual class through a computer.

Another important area where online learning can help rural districts is by introducing highly specialized instructors to teach courses in small, rural districts that might not otherwise be able to afford a teacher in a particular discipline nor fly them in to teach the classes.  With online learning, you can have that option at a much reduced rate.