Logging on to Learn

A classroom lecture at Capistrano Connections Academy in Southern California involves booting up the home computer, logging on to a Web site, and observing a teacher conducting a PowerPoint presentation of that day's lesson entirely online. Through microphone headsets, students can watch on their home computers, respond to the teacher's questions, and take part in classroom discussions. Capistrano Connections Academy, a charter school authorized by the Capistrano Unified School District and managed by Connections Academy, is among a growing number of virtual schools offering full-time programs in which all courses are taken online. In addition, 24 states and the District of Columbia offer full-time online schools to students. This article examines how academically effective virtual schools are, their educational management, and the role of parents in this kind of setting. Five trends in online learning are presented.