The latest trend in schools lets kids wear whatever and attend classes whenever......

      This article has much going for it. In my opinion it is a major step forward in adjusting our public school system for the present and future. The schools, for far too many years have been falling behind the times. I think with the advent of offering various classes over the internet it will be a big improvement. Anyway, this was out of my local newspaper today March 8, 2007 and thought it was worth sharing.

      "State education officials predict virtual classrooms will mushroom in the coming years and only in part because of new technology.
      A bigger boost in numbers could come because of a new state rule requiring students to take a fourth year of math and science.
      School officials said students looking to fit electives into crammed schedules will go online for some core classes. And the Web classes benefit students with jobs or kids, as well as those trying to play credit catch-up to graduate on time.
     But education leaders see much bigger purposes and much wider use in the coming years.
      School officials said online classes prepare kids for college, where they are already common and for the working world. Companies increasingly use the Internet to train new employees."
      "The state does not track online programs, so it is difficult to gauge how many districts use them statewide. But nationally, trade groups estimate seven hundred thousand students in grades K - 12 took an online class last year.
      Students taking courses online work together on message boards, swap messages with teachers, read textbooks online or watch lecture videos. They take quizzes, file papers and do other assignments. Some districts require students to take final exams in the school."
      I am really pleased at the progress the schools nationwide are making in this area. I do believe this would be a very big plus for the entire school system. Reducing the amount of stress and strain can only enhance the entire concept of learning. It will be an asset for the teachers as well as all the students. I will follow the progress to see what will be offerd over the internet, but for now I say it has been a long time coming.