Kids are very mobil. Now they can take their courses with them" (post-gazette.com). Distance education gives children a chance to live up to their expectations whether they are bedridden, or traveling abroad.
The current programs offer many benefits to both the parents and students. Free computers, printers, scanners internet access with dedicated phone lines and software is offered to the families participating. Under some state formulas, school districts pay tuition's for each students who attends the virtual charter school (post-gazette.com). This can benefit parents who want to home school their children but may not be able to afford to buy home education materials. It also allows parents who are not secure in their teaching abilities to become mentors in their children's education. These programs are overseen by professional teachers, all students will be under the oversight of the public schools, and their curriculum. Parents have a relationship with the teacher, "Parents are our partners, teachers speak to them (on the phone) at least once a month" says Julie E. Young, Florida High School principal (education-world.com).
Students in the virtual classroom are also offered many advantages that home schooled children may miss out on. Since these children are considered apart of the school district state law provides that they are able to participate in extracurricular activities (post-gazette.com). They also feature yearbooks, newspapers, student showcase, and a student and faculty lounge (education-world.com). Students will also be required to take the same state proficiency tests that the public school students are currently taking, because they are public school students. These tests are important because they assess the child's attitudes and world view as well as skills and abilities (cheohome.org). .
Distance education is enabling school districts to offer a variety of advanced courses that may not be available in our public schools.