Posted by:
Julie Young
Building admin/coordinator
Orlando, FL

Topic:
Funding options

Message:

(I served on the Web-based Education Commission Panel that sought input on issues that must be addressed in order to maximize the promise of the Internet for learning. These responses are from that report. For a full copy of the report, visit http://www.webcommission.org. Please note that responses are focused on my experience with distance-based learning practices.)

Trade off cost can be very deceptive, and should not be used as a primary reason for developing a Web-based instructional offering. Most of the FHS students still attend local schools for a portion of their courses. Not all students will adapt to this new delivery method, and therefore, it will be a long time before significant saving will be realized in the area of facilities. We have found that we have not cut the faculty level required to support our student population. We made the decision that our courses were being offered to present the highest quality education experience possible. This decision requires regular interaction between our staff and our students, either via e-mail or phone. Our decision has been well supported by the feedback from our students and parents, but has necessitated a high level of daily interaction with students by the faculty.

Districts may consider the following to increase access to computers or Internet services for their students:

• Business partnerships (which donate computers to schools in need and to individuals)
  
• Grants
  
• Free library services / computer use
  
• Allocation built into the existing budget for computer lab or take-home computers
  
• Free on-line courses open to all students
  
• Private on-line institutions which charge fees but offer scholarships
  
• Charter on-line institutions which generate FTE dollars per student
  
• "F" school vouchers which allow disadvantaged students the opportunity to attend schools of choice
  
• Student leasing (rent-to-own) of equipment
  
• Establish a nation-wide educational (free) ISP with a focus on students
  

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