Benefits of Online learning

I just finished viewing a video on some of the benefits of an online learning, especially when given as an option in high school. This video, by Susan Patrick, can be found at this address: http://www.edutopia.org/stw-online-learning-making-the-case-video
She made some really interesting points in the video. Something I wasn't aware of was that the United States spends more money on education than any other country, with the exception of Switzerland. Yet, we are far from the top when it comes to education being offered. Some of this, I have to think, has to come from the lack of resources and funding in our schools along with classes that are far too large. Students are the ones missing out, here. Susan Patrick also shared the surprising face that the state of Georgia has 400 high schools, but the state only has 89 certified physics teachers. Just think of all the students missing out on the opportunity to learn about physics. I am sure that there are other science classes offered, but some students may be considering pursuing futures that require a foundation in physics, and without the offering, they are already at a disadvantage compared to their peers in other states. This is ridiculous if you really think about it. By offering some courses online, though, these students may be able to learn from certified teachers in their state or in a differing state. Susan pointed out that offering virtual classes is bringing some teacher back to the profession! It is also allowing current, experienced teachers to teach some classes in a traditional classroom as some in a virtual classroom; this means there are some traditional classroom openings for teachers new to the field. This is good news, because many new teachers just out of college are struggling to find teaching position or even substitute opportunities. The online classroom, Susan shares, offers more opportunity for one-on-one attention. I have to say that I would miss out on the face-to-face interactions, but through online education, every student is reached, which may not always happen in a traditional classroom. All in all, this video provided some great insight to the benefits to online learning.