Michigan makes online courses a requirement

Ars Technica has posted a fascinating news bit about a new Michigan law that requires students participate in some form of online learning. Ken Fisher, who wrote the piece, asks a pointed and troubling question is his analysis of the legislation.

"Does America's youth truly need "help" getting the "online" experience? When did online course components become ends unto themselves as opposed to means to an end (namely, convenience and distance learning)?"

I've spent many years working with educators and legislators here in New Mexico on the integration of IT skills and technology into high school curricula and much as I'm delighted to see any legislative initiative that suggests that the politicians and administrators responsible for the education of our kids are "getting it", I have to wonder just how effective this sort of umbrella policy approach will be. Time will tell.