How "Open" Should a High School Be?

We have all heard of online universities such as the University of Phoenix, but how would you feel about an online high school?  Utah, has an Open High School where the entire learning experience is facilitated online.  The way that this high school is structured and facilitated is phenomenal.  It allows students to have a flexible schedule, learn at their own pace, have one-on-one assistance, and live full lives.  Attending this high school provides a great opportunity to those students who are responsible, self-directed, and mature.  Students who have a hard time following directions and are not serious about their education would struggle.  This type of high school would appeal to the 21st century student because it incorporates the technology that these students use on a daily basis.  I find it extremely interesting how the teachers are able to revise the curriculum based on their students' performance.  The best thing about this school is that it is free!

Potential challenges I see with an online high school is that the students may not have the opportunity to develop or utilize their social skills since their interactions are completely electronic.  Additionally, these students may not have the opportunity to participate in sports or other extra curricular activities with their classmates.  High school is a very important time in a teenager's life and they should have the opportunity to interact with their classmates on a regular basis.

If I were in high school, I would enjoy some flexibility, however, I would not enjoy taking all my classes online.  I think a combination of the traditional high school and the open high school would be a great asset to high school students.  With a combination students will have the emotional interaction they need, and be able to use the technology they enjoy using in their lessons.