Online Education Increasing in Utah Classrooms

(KUTV) Utah classrooms saw a big push this year to increase online learning €“ and one third of Utah€™s school received new, interactive learning software. Imagine this: a baseball pitcher, honing his skills. He winds up for the pitch, lets the ball loose €“ and just then, his vision is cut off. He didn€™t get enough feedback to perfect his pitch €“ just like most kids aren€™t likely getting enough feedback to perfect their skills. €œWhen we send a student home with homework, and without any feedback, it€™s just like that baseball pitcher not knowing where the ball went,€ said Utah State Senator Howard Stephenson Thursday. Stephenson wants to show educators and lawmakers the future of digital learning. A group toured the Guadalupe School Thursday, which uses new software that provides instant feedback individualized for each student. €œWe can take that child, individually, and move them forward as rapidly as they are able to progress,€ Stephenson said. Digital learning is a passion for Stephenson, but he says it€™s proving itself in schools. The Guadalupe School has already reported improved test scores since it put learning online, and says the kids are more interested. So far, much of the interactive programming focuses on language arts and reading. Now, Utah schools are about to launch interactive math software at the middle and high school levels. Stephenson says it€™s a step in the right direction. €œThis is the future of education,€ Stephenson said. €œRespect the learner by giving them individualized instruction.€The Legislature passed a bill that provided 30,000 licenses for early intervention software.Senator Stephenson is showing educators and law makers the systems in action to try and drum up more support for the future. (Copyright 2013 Sinclair Broadcasting Group.)