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Online Learning Mirrors Increasing Flexibility Of 21st Century Workforce

Since 2005, there has been a 103 percent growth rate in the work-from-home population – making it even more critical that today’s students learn skills to prepare them for the future workforce. It is reported that 87 percent of American teens ages 13 to 17 have access to a desktop or laptop computer – spending an average of seven hours in front of a screen. In an effort to prepare these 21st century learners for the 21st century workforce, one virtual school serving students K-12 statewide, Indiana Connections Academy (INCA), is teaching students how to manage their time, take direction and collaborate with peers remotely.

The tuition-free, online public schools capitalize on technology as a tool for education, preparing students for success after graduation. Studies have shown that 74 percent of teachers say that technology motivates students to learn, while 73 percent claim technology helps them (teachers) respond to a variety of learning styles. Teachers at INCA are able to work with individual students to build their education around their learning styles and needs.

“The goal is to prepare our students for their professional lives after graduation,” said Melissa Brown, principal at Indiana Connections Academy. “Our online model allows students to use technology as a tool to learn and work similarly to how many professionals are currently doing in their careers.”

Students attending the schools login to their computers from the comfort of their home, to participate in online classes and meet with teachers and their peers. The flexible learning model allows students to complete assignments wherever they have an Internet connection and during times that work best for their schedule.

“This learning model best reflects the flexibility in workplaces today,” said Brown. “Our students’ work environment closely resembles many work-from-home models we are seeing more frequently around the world. This environment encourages our students to learn more about responsibility for their work, how to manage their time and how to effectively communicate when they need support.”

To learn more about virtual education, visit INCA at www.indianaconnectionsacademy.com.

About Indiana Connections Academy

Enrollment in online learning courses continues to increase in Indiana and across the country, demonstrating that virtual schools are here to stay. Indiana Connections Academy is a tuition-free K-12 statewide online school offering students the ability to learn at home with a curriculum that meets rigorous state education standards.