Idaho Education Online: Supporting Distance Learning
The expanding allure of online education has grown significantly over the years, attracting an estimated 12.2 million students during the 2006-07 academic year alone.
And the growing popularity of distance learning at all levels, from elementary school through doctoral programs, is not lost on educators in the state of Idaho.
In 2008, Idaho legislators passed an education bill designed to provide high-speed Internet access throughout the state. The intent of the program - known as Idaho Education Network - recognizes the importance of the Internet not only for traditional education, but for online education as well.
Unfortunately, budget cuts in March 2009 have put this technologically forward-thinking initiative on hold, but there are still many ways in which Idaho promotes online education.
Idaho Education Online: Postsecondary
Distance learning has gained significant ground among students seeking postsecondary degrees, as well as among employers wanted to assist in the training of their employees. In response to this growth, the state of Idaho has worked to expand its involvement in postsecondary online education.
One of the primary ways in which Idaho strives to develop postsecondary online education opportunities is by participating in Project IDEAL, a national program consisting of several states working together in the development of effective distance learning programs designed for adult students. Project IDEAL's core goal is to improve the quality of online education throughout the United States. The association's member states partner in providing the latest information and research on distance learning as more and more states begin to establish their own online education resources.
In addition, Idaho's more traditional colleges and universities have recognized the need to be in the technological forefront.
The University of Idaho's College of Graduate Studies strongly promotes its online courses as helping to achieve the college's mission. The school's Engineering Outreach Program enables on-campus courses to be digitally recorded and accessible online. A variety of programs of study, such as math, business, engineering management, psychology, statistics and water resources, are available via this 35-year-old online program. In addition, the university's College of Education offers 12 online courses in which real-time classroom environments are created on the Internet.
Idaho Education Online: K-12
While many people first think of postsecondary institutions when distance learning is discussed, online education is no stranger in the world of elementary and high school learning.
Just like the need to advance the world of distance learning for postsecondary students, Idaho has recognized the benefits that an online education can offer younger students.
One way in which the state of Idaho has promoted the growth of distance learning for grades K-12 is through the Idaho Virtual Academy, a tuition-free, online public school. The academy's online curriculum is designed to allow student to learn anywhere an Internet connection is available.
Another means to assisting student in Idaho take advantage of an online education is through the Idaho Digital Learning Academy, a state-sponsored, accredited virtual school designed to address the needs of not only traditional students but also of home schooled, at-risk and gifted students. In 2008, the Idaho Digital Academy was ranked No. 3 in the nation for is online learning policies and practices by the Center for Digital Education.
So, whether you're pursuing a master's degree or working on earning your high school diploma, there are several online education options and resources available to Idaho students. To learn more about these opportunities, just take a moment to complete our brief online form and we'll send you details on several online schools from which to choose.
