Transforming Education with Technology
The number of college students taking at least one of their courses online has skyrocketed – from 11 percent in 2002 to more than 20 percent in 2007.
Harnessing the power of technology can customize education so all students learn in their own style, at their own pace. A tailor-made education ensures each and every student achieves his or her potential.
Solutions
Expand access to online learning.
- Allow all students – whether public, private, or home educated – to take online classes through any of Florida’s school district virtual programs.
- Allow school districts to contract with any qualified individual or company to offer rich online courses to our students.
- Allow school districts to use textbook money for hardware, such as iPods or Kindles, to access online content.
- Expand virtual providers participation by:
- Eliminating the requirement that virtual education providers have an administrative office in Florida,
- Allowing them to use certified teachers from out of state, and
- Allowing all providers to offer full-time or part-time courses in grade K-12.
Bill Status
Legislation is currently making its way through the Florida Legislature. The status of the House and Senate bills is noted below:
- HB 1173, Sponsored by Representative Erik Fresen
- SB 2262, Sponsored by Senator John Thrasher
Position Papers