TheDigitelMYR

E-learning, Virtual School or Cyber School. Whatever you call it, it's just another example of the modern age we live in. 

A local home school 2.0 kid, Caroline Neeves, is attending a virtual charter school called the Palmetto State E-cademy a school that is authorized by the South Carolina Public Charter School District. Starting her second year at the e-school, Caroline is practicing self-paced learning with guidance from online teachers. She maintains a 4.5 GPA and says that she doesn't feel like she is missing out on social activities. The best part about the Palmetto State E-cademy is that it is free to South Carolina residents.

There are potential pitfalls in e-schooling. A few months ago the Associated Press out of Columbia, SC reported on a case involving an S.C. student who was rejected by the Pentagon when applying to join the military. It appears, for now, that the Pentagon is not interested in taking more than 10 percent of recruits with a non-traditional high school diploma. The military does allow more GED students to enter their ranks:

The Air Force is the most strict on this matter. The Air Force allows less than one percent of annual enlistments to be recruits without a high school diploma. The Marines have the next highest standards. No more than five percent of Marine recruits can be GED-holders. The Army allows no more than ten percent each year, and the Navy limits GED enlistments to no more than five to ten percent each year.

Currently there are 5,000 students enrolled in e-learning programs around the state. Hop on over to SCnow.com to read more about The Palmetto State E-cademy and Caroline's story. 

• Learn more about the local charter school, Bridge Water Academy over at our Charter School Topics page.

We know we have quite a few educators that frequent TheDigitel, what say you on the topic of e-learning?