Education Innovation: Embracing Online K-12 Schools and Universities

One of the waves of innovation sweeping across the country and around the world is the emergence of Online Education Institutions. As far back as 2013, Time magazine found that only a minority of 23% of academic leaders said online learning was inferior to face-to-face learning. Since then, the trend towards online education has slowly but steadily increased across the US and around the world. We all need to pay more attention. 

The following are links to selected online high school and university web sites that you might want to check out, especially during these trying times during the pandemic of 2020-2022


Online Elementary & High Schools

• Best Online High Schools - Consumer Affairs provides information and guidance about the rising number of high quality accredited online high schools.
• Citizen's High School - An accredited online independent study high school providing an education program leading to a high school diploma.
• National High School - A regionally accredited private high school offering an online education program leading to a high school diploma.
• International Virtual Learning Academy - A year-round, grades 3-12 diploma-granting online private school.
• SC Odyssey Online Learning - An online, tuition-free public charter school for South Carolina high school students.
• South Carolina Online Virtual Charter Schools - A listing of approved online virtual public schools in South Carolina. Also see K¹² online curriculum
• South Carolina ETV Online Education Courses for K-12 Teachers
  

Online Colleges & Universities

• Accredited Online Colleges - A web-based directory for finding the accredited online college that best meets your needs.
• Guide to Online Colleges & Universities - A web site providing information on the rising number of accredited online higher education programs.
• American Public University System - A leader in distance education, this accredited online university offers over 70 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
• DeVry University - An accredited university having more than 90 locations, offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs, many of them online.
• South Carolina Online Colleges - Listing of colleges and universities in South Carolina offering online programs.
• University of Phoenix -The largest private university in North America today, with students studying at more than 200 locations across the U.S. and around the world.
• Western Governor's University - Founded by the Governor's of 19 U.S. states, it currently provides online, competency-based degree programs to more than 30,000 students across the U.S.

'Open' Schools, Universities, Courses & Online Adult Education

• Academic Earth - Providing the opportunity to earn a world-class education by offering free online classes and online learning tools.
• Udacity -Offering free online college courses leading to certification in key professions or subject areas.
• Khan Academy - An online school providing a free world-class education for anyone anywhere.
• Open Education Database - Source for free, online courses offered by various universities and education organizations.
• University of South Carolina - Offering online classes, continuing education & adult education courses.
• Clemson University Online -  Clemson continues transitioning to online learning.

The move towards online education can cut costs for students and reduce tax dollars spent to maintain state run colleges. South Carolina needs to further embrace this approach to education. The current pandemic reinforces the need to further expand online education.

If you or your children have attended an online K-12 School or University, especially here in Summerton S.C., please share your experience with our readers.