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"It is becoming increasingly difficult for students to pass those already required subjects for graduation. The SOLs have placed intense time constraints on classroom teachers and students; often weaker students have no time in their schedules for elective classes because they have to repeat courses that are mandatory for graduation"

While I understand the "crunch time" phenomenon and the stress associated with passing tests and earning credits for graduation, I also believe that students would receive a great deal of experience by participating in an online course. I also feel that students are more resourceful than we give them credit for, and they really are more engaged using technology for learning objectives. I also feel that our students who face challenges can be successful with the right support.

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THE QUOTE: Ensuring enough funds are available and that students have access to the technology needed to make this requirement possible is critical to its success. If either of those things are missing, the requirement won't be worth the paper it is written on.

THIS IS MY COMMENT:

I help to sponsor a leadership summit for youth with disabilities. A few years ago we had an engaging speaker (musician without arms) and the students with ID

were using cell phones and iPads to take pictures and record his comments and music. They knew their technology. I work with another young person who does not have a computer at home. We have provided him with an iPad so he can stay connected to his peers in the leadership group. I agree that we need to ensure access, but I am not so sure this requires a funding stream

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It provides opportunities for students to practice 21st century skills such as communication, and collaboration. It teaches time management, flexibility, adaptability, initiative and self-direction (all of which are essential skills for the workplace). The real world is all project-based and problem-solving. Putting students into an environment where they have to manage that is crucial.

It would be beneficial for students to have those qualities( time management, flexibility, adaptability, initiative and self-direction) but they need to be taught some of them before embarking on an online course.

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Should students be required to take an online course? Absolutely! Hopefully for a more substantial reason that "it'd be a good experience."

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I can understand the principles for either side in this argument, but I will make a decision. No, I do not think that students in Virginia should be required to take and online course for graduation. Virginia is not ready to implement a venture of this magnitude

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The Quote:

"It teaches time management, flexibility, adaptability, initiative and self-direction (all of which are essential skills for the workplace)."

I think this is an assumption. These are certainly desirable characteristics

of online learning, being in an online class does not teach them.

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It provides opportunities for students to practice 21st century skills such as communication, and collaboration. It teaches time management, flexibility, adaptability, initiative and self-direction (all of which are essential skills for the workplace). The real world is all project-based and problem-solving. Putting students into an environment where they have to manage that is crucial.

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It is becoming increasingly difficult for students to pass those already required subjects for graduation. The SOLs have placed intense time constraints on classroom teachers and students; often weaker students have no time in their schedules for elective classes because they have to repeat courses that are mandatory for graduation.

It would benefit many students to take basic computer classes as electives. However, I do agree with the amount of constraints on class time and amount of repeating students; it is not always possible for students to get elective classes.

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I do not object to the requirement of an online course as a graduation requirement. Students have 4-6 years to get this requirement accomplished. Remember our middle school students may start earning high school credits in 7th grade. "Course" is undefined, and that gives each division flexibility. I like flexibility! Think about all the interesting options that creative teachers, administrators, students and parents could find or develop. Is there a secondary school in Virginia without computers?

The above comment was interesting to me because I am on the fence regarding this requirement. I don't think there is enough in place to effectively implement the process, but I agree that the ability is there. The problem (at least for our community) is the apathetic attitudes coming from students, parents, and teachers...that they don't have to do any extra work to receive credit!

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I think the benefits of requiring students to take an online class prior to graduating high school far outweigh the hindrances. Our world is driven by, and will continue to be driven by, the digital world. Technological competencies and independent decision-making skills are needed in just about every career field these days, even those not requiring a college degree.

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It provides opportunities for students to practice 21st century skills such as communication, and collaboration. It teaches time management, flexibility, adaptability, initiative and self-direction (all of which are essential skills for the workplace). The real world is all project-based and problem-solving. Putting students into an environment where they have to manage that is crucial. I

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