Comments on: Virtual Classes Go From Optional To Mandatory http://www.northescambia.com/2011/10/virtual-classes-go-from-optional-to-mandatory Local News for Molino, Bratt, McDavid, Century, Walnut Hill, Cantonment Sun, 05 Apr 2026 17:56:52 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: David Huie Green http://www.northescambia.com/2011/10/virtual-classes-go-from-optional-to-mandatory/comment-page-1#comment-103338 David Huie Green Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:04:42 +0000 http://www.northescambia.com/?p=66302#comment-103338 REGARDING: "There are also a lot of families who for religious reasons do not have internet in the home. " I wonder if you realize this could be a class taken during class time in the school using school resources such as computers and high speed internet connections already in place, not something which has to be done at home? AND: " I’ll take 3 of the 8 gig drives at $9 though if you got ‘em." Naw, I don't. When I was in Wal-Mart last they were over TEN dollars!! So much money!! Nonetheless, they were listed in Sunday's sales papers. AND: "I have take a hybrid class from JD in Brewton (half in class half online) and if you are gonna use dial up for those,you may as well shave your head now ’cause your hair is surely gonna fall out tryin’" Like I said, unless it's video intensive, it's not a problem. If it IS video intensive, dial up would surely take a long time to download the video. I read some time back of an online course dating back to the time of 400 baud modems. That would translate to something like 50 letters per second or ten words or a million years per frame of video (exagerating here, but not by THAT much). Anyhoo, using text that translates to about 30 seconds per page of text. No bells and whistles, just plain text. Mine runs at 56, 000 at maximum or 140 times as fast. it's still slow by the gigabit per second goal but doable since I can't read four pages per second. They were still holding classes twenty or so years later. And as I said earlier, nothing requires it be done at home on dial up, just that some courses COULD be done that way. David contemplating the past and the future REGARDING:
“There are also a lot of families who for religious reasons do not have internet in the home. ”

I wonder if you realize this could be a class taken during class time in the school using school resources such as computers and high speed internet connections already in place, not something which has to be done at home?

AND:
” I’ll take 3 of the 8 gig drives at $9 though if you got ‘em.”

Naw, I don’t. When I was in Wal-Mart last they were over TEN dollars!! So much money!! Nonetheless, they were listed in Sunday’s sales papers.

AND:
“I have take a hybrid class from JD in Brewton (half in class half online) and if you are gonna use dial up for those,you may as well shave your head now ’cause your hair is surely gonna fall out tryin’”

Like I said, unless it’s video intensive, it’s not a problem. If it IS video intensive, dial up would surely take a long time to download the video. I read some time back of an online course dating back to the time of 400 baud modems. That would translate to something like 50 letters per second or ten words or a million years per frame of video (exagerating here, but not by THAT much). Anyhoo, using text that translates to about 30 seconds per page of text.

No bells and whistles, just plain text. Mine runs at 56, 000 at maximum or 140 times as fast. it’s still slow by the gigabit per second goal but doable since I can’t read four pages per second.

They were still holding classes twenty or so years later.

And as I said earlier, nothing requires it be done at home on dial up, just that some courses COULD be done that way.

David contemplating the past and the future

]]> By: JimD http://www.northescambia.com/2011/10/virtual-classes-go-from-optional-to-mandatory/comment-page-1#comment-103334 JimD Tue, 11 Oct 2011 14:49:25 +0000 http://www.northescambia.com/?p=66302#comment-103334 Take the money for the sport programs. Especially if PE and Heath are classes offered on line. Where the facilities are available, the need for a hybrid education is a good experience. Spanish and math classes might not be good examples of what to take without an in place instructor to answer questions and review. History, civics and other classes students can reference outside sources would be good examples of an on-line environment. An on-line class also takes discipline, as there is no one to hand work into, and obtain daily feedback from. A good starting point for this type of class is for the college prep courses in high schools. Students that have their sights set on college will come across these types of classes before they are finished with their degree programs. For those individuals that do not have computers at home, or internet access, time should be allotted in a student’s schedule for online classes to take place in school, if this is going to be a state requirement. Take the money for the sport programs. Especially if PE and Heath are classes offered on line. Where the facilities are available, the need for a hybrid education is a good experience. Spanish and math classes might not be good examples of what to take without an in place instructor to answer questions and review. History, civics and other classes students can reference outside sources would be good examples of an on-line environment. An on-line class also takes discipline, as there is no one to hand work into, and obtain daily feedback from.

A good starting point for this type of class is for the college prep courses in high schools. Students that have their sights set on college will come across these types of classes before they are finished with their degree programs. For those individuals that do not have computers at home, or internet access, time should be allotted in a student’s schedule for online classes to take place in school, if this is going to be a state requirement.

]]> By: Stacey http://www.northescambia.com/2011/10/virtual-classes-go-from-optional-to-mandatory/comment-page-1#comment-103297 Stacey Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:47:40 +0000 http://www.northescambia.com/?p=66302#comment-103297 This makes me angry...and as far as Rene Bunch is concerned....we only got internet a year ago, and my child does NOT have a cell phone...and he is in high school...we are making it, but if times get tough, internet will be the first to go. There are also a lot of families who for religious reasons do not have internet in the home. These kids are already having to have more credits just to graduate, and now this...I am NOT an advocate for the ACLU, but do think this is unconstitutional...Is there no way we can fight this? This makes me angry…and as far as Rene Bunch is concerned….we only got internet a year ago, and my child does NOT have a cell phone…and he is in high school…we are making it, but if times get tough, internet will be the first to go. There are also a lot of families who for religious reasons do not have internet in the home. These kids are already having to have more credits just to graduate, and now this…I am NOT an advocate for the ACLU, but do think this is unconstitutional…Is there no way we can fight this?

]]> By: eab http://www.northescambia.com/2011/10/virtual-classes-go-from-optional-to-mandatory/comment-page-1#comment-103287 eab Tue, 11 Oct 2011 04:09:52 +0000 http://www.northescambia.com/?p=66302#comment-103287 David said..."8 gig flash drives costing $9 could hold lots of lessons." I said...So would 32 gig flash drives costing $2 but I haven't been able to find any of those either. I'll take 3 of the 8 gig drives at $9 though if you got 'em. I have take a hybrid class from JD in Brewton (half in class half online) and if you are gonna use dial up for those,you may as well shave your head now 'cause your hair is surely gonna fall out tryin'. David said…”8 gig flash drives costing $9 could hold lots of lessons.”

I said…So would 32 gig flash drives costing $2 but I haven’t been able to find any of those either. I’ll take 3 of the 8 gig drives at $9 though if you got ‘em.

I have take a hybrid class from JD in Brewton (half in class half online) and if you are gonna use dial up for those,you may as well shave your head now ’cause your hair is surely gonna fall out tryin’.

]]> By: David Huie Green http://www.northescambia.com/2011/10/virtual-classes-go-from-optional-to-mandatory/comment-page-1#comment-103271 David Huie Green Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:06:14 +0000 http://www.northescambia.com/?p=66302#comment-103271 REGARDING: "we need a statewide internet company that has broadband access to every nook and cranny in the state, rural areas" I agree with everything you said but the above. To have a virtual class in school does not require broadband access out of school. It would be nice but not required. Lessons could be downloaded at school, watched there or watched at home. 8 gig flash drives costing $9 could hold lots of lessons. For that matter, unless the classes are video intensive, simple dial up access such as I use would suffice. AND: "Just another way to SCAM more taxes out of people " Generally speaking it expands educational opportunities and costs less. For example, if you had three students wanting to take Latin to get in a particular school, you either aren't going to serve them or you are going to take resources away from others. Using virtual school, many small groups can make up a class and be served. I'm not sure what the rationale was for making it mandatory but making it available should result in people realizing after graduation that they can continue their educations no matter where they live, from the privacy of their own homes. David for good education REGARDING:
“we need a statewide internet company that has broadband access to every nook and cranny in the state, rural areas”

I agree with everything you said but the above. To have a virtual class in school does not require broadband access out of school. It would be nice but not required. Lessons could be downloaded at school, watched there or watched at home. 8 gig flash drives costing $9 could hold lots of lessons. For that matter, unless the classes are video intensive, simple dial up access such as I use would suffice.

AND:
“Just another way to SCAM more taxes out of people ”

Generally speaking it expands educational opportunities and costs less. For example, if you had three students wanting to take Latin to get in a particular school, you either aren’t going to serve them or you are going to take resources away from others. Using virtual school, many small groups can make up a class and be served.

I’m not sure what the rationale was for making it mandatory but making it available should result in people realizing after graduation that they can continue their educations no matter where they live, from the privacy of their own homes.

David for good education

]]> By: Scott http://www.northescambia.com/2011/10/virtual-classes-go-from-optional-to-mandatory/comment-page-1#comment-103269 Scott Mon, 10 Oct 2011 23:11:51 +0000 http://www.northescambia.com/?p=66302#comment-103269 I bet you a million dollars that some politician is getting his/her pockets bigger because of this ridiculous law. I bet you a million dollars that some politician is getting his/her pockets bigger because of this ridiculous law.

]]> By: Michelle http://www.northescambia.com/2011/10/virtual-classes-go-from-optional-to-mandatory/comment-page-1#comment-103266 Michelle Mon, 10 Oct 2011 21:21:10 +0000 http://www.northescambia.com/?p=66302#comment-103266 Just another way to SCAM more taxes out of people What's the betting they are wanting a pay rise out of it somewhere. Like most of you on here I agree there is no reason for it. Just another way to SCAM more taxes out of people What’s the betting they are wanting a pay rise out of it somewhere. Like most of you on here I agree there is no reason for it.

]]> By: Rene Bunch http://www.northescambia.com/2011/10/virtual-classes-go-from-optional-to-mandatory/comment-page-1#comment-103260 Rene Bunch Mon, 10 Oct 2011 19:38:44 +0000 http://www.northescambia.com/?p=66302#comment-103260 Any public library has free computer access. I used the one in Atmore when I took classes at The University of Alabama,, online,,, without setting foot in Tuscaloosa. You can find computer access several other places, too, I'm sure. If a parent can afford to equip a child with a cell phone, then they will find the money to equip them with a computer. Most parents I know will do what they have to in order to ensure their child gets the best education possible, even if it means sacrificing because the School District is trying to put more teachers in the classroom! Any public library has free computer access. I used the one in Atmore when I took classes at The University of Alabama,, online,,, without setting foot in Tuscaloosa. You can find computer access several other places, too, I’m sure.

If a parent can afford to equip a child with a cell phone, then they will find the money to equip them with a computer. Most parents I know will do what they have to in order to ensure their child gets the best education possible, even if it means sacrificing because the School District is trying to put more teachers in the classroom!

]]> By: Jane http://www.northescambia.com/2011/10/virtual-classes-go-from-optional-to-mandatory/comment-page-1#comment-103257 Jane Mon, 10 Oct 2011 18:26:47 +0000 http://www.northescambia.com/?p=66302#comment-103257 This is definitely a case of companies lobbying the government to their advantage regardless of how it inpacts schools and lower income families in the middle of a recession! Yes, it would be wonderful if we all had access to computers and wifi, but the fact is, many can't afford it and neither can the schools! This is definitely a case of companies lobbying the government to their advantage regardless of how it inpacts schools and lower income families in the middle of a recession! Yes, it would be wonderful if we all had access to computers and wifi, but the fact is, many can’t afford it and neither can the schools!

]]> By: C Rodgers http://www.northescambia.com/2011/10/virtual-classes-go-from-optional-to-mandatory/comment-page-1#comment-103247 C Rodgers Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:23:35 +0000 http://www.northescambia.com/?p=66302#comment-103247 I see no reason to make these classes "Mandatory". If the schools which these the students attend, already have computer access, then the classes should be available at that school during school hours, thus eliminating the need for a computer at home for those who simply cannot afford one. Making all tax payers foot the bill for at home computers is simply "wrong". Our state budget is already stressed to the max. We should not be pandering to these for profit education providers. If the students simply need to learn how to do online testing then teach them that at the high schools. Have a class just for that. If the students are homeschooled then they most likely already have internet access and most likely already do their testing online or with a group. To me, this is just another way for BIG Government to get access into everyone's lives and tell us what to do. This is one time I am not happy with my Republican Lawmakers. Perhaps they could explain themselves? I see no reason to make these classes “Mandatory”. If the schools which these the students attend, already have computer access, then the classes should be available at that school during school hours, thus eliminating the need for a computer at home for those who simply cannot afford one. Making all tax payers foot the bill for at home computers is simply “wrong”. Our state budget is already stressed to the max. We should not be pandering to these for profit education providers. If the students simply need to learn how to do online testing then teach them that at the high schools. Have a class just for that. If the students are homeschooled then they most likely already have internet access and most likely already do their testing online or with a group.
To me, this is just another way for BIG Government to get access into everyone’s lives and tell us what to do. This is one time I am not happy with my Republican Lawmakers. Perhaps they could explain themselves?

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