Michigan attempts to mandate online learning.

Lawmakers in Michigan are working on a state Board of Education proposal to revamp the state's outdated high school graduation requirements, in part to recommend that every student complete an online educational experience. It would be a first of its kind in the U.S.

While some critics bring up Internet access as a potential roadblock, supporters are quick to point out that nearly 99 percent of Michigan schools have Internet access and 88 percent have a high-speed connection. Another potential issue is the statewide ratio of kids to computers, which is only 4:1. Another potential drawback is cost.

But starting this fall, the Michigan Virtual University and Microsoft will begin offering a free online course for all Michigan students. "The course will cover career planning in the global economy," says Jamey Fitzpatrick, MVU president. "It's an exciting opportunity for kids to learn about how the working world has changed."

James Boseo, professor emeritus at Western Michigan University, wants to ensure that schools can develop effective, engaging learning experiences that will benefit students. "All students should know how to learn from a book as well as how to find and avail themselves of quality learning experiences online," he says. "The commitment should be about what's right for the kids--not just to ensure that this is out there."

To that end, Bosco has an ally in Sen. Wayne Kuipers (R-Michigan), chairman of the Senate K-12 Education Committee. Kuipers, whose committee is taking testimony from the field before revising the requirements, says he'd like to see a technology-training course for middle school students and for the online experience to be integrated into all applicable courses.

"We want to push districts beyond what they're comfortable with and expose kids to a wide range of learning experiences," Kuipers says.

www.mivu.org