Most recent public comments by Student Ryan Rice https://nowcomment.com/users/42038 https://nowcomment.com/documents/106075?scroll_to=1049073 https://nowcomment.com/documents/106075?scroll_to=1049073 I've done some "secret shop" assignments for both private and public online schools. I want to address some of your comments from my research and speaking with a few schools: This is ideal for someone who already has internet access at home, but of course there are other free ways to get internet...the public library for example. Also there's an annoying fee on the cable bill that keeps creeping up that contributes to internet access for low income homes and other public sectors. Each school is different, but some are very much like our online classes and other have specific times they meet live. The few public schools I researched made it clear that cost of books, equipment for assignments, etc were shipped to students at no cost during their school year. There are also a lot in place for optional meets. School field trips and clubs are a big part of that. The ongoing "costs" are more so the family's ability and will be resourceful and creative. There are many ways to fuflill and resolve a lot of the concerns you've shared, BUT I'll be the first to admit it's not ideal for every student and every student's home. Like our online classes, this can be a suitable, flexible option for achieving education goals while avoiding constraints that students and families may experience both in and outside the classroom. Sat, 21 Jul 2018 12:30:55 -0700 https://nowcomment.com/documents/106075?scroll_to=1049072 https://nowcomment.com/documents/106075?scroll_to=1049072 I agree. It is difficult not to poke holes and notice the flaws. It's also easy to criticize anything our society has yet to deem the norm. If anything, one should consider online K-12 an option, just another form that may or may not fit a student's lifestyle and educational needs better. Sat, 21 Jul 2018 12:18:59 -0700 https://nowcomment.com/documents/106075?scroll_to=1049071 https://nowcomment.com/documents/106075?scroll_to=1049071 It's understandable for parents may have doubts, but I wish more direction was placed on the individual child and their access to the support the need to succeed in this type of educational setting. Online school "works," and there's tons of evidence to support that, but if it will work for their child is the bigger question. Educating parents on the "ideal" online student may help them to better determine if it's right for their child or what in their control can make it more of an ideal option to explore. Sat, 21 Jul 2018 12:14:15 -0700