Learning online

Virtual schools have ignited a very real debate in education circles, as lawmakers decide whether and how much time in an online classroom should be allowed to fulfill state K-12 education requirements.

Governor Terry Branstad has proposed allowing students to receive up to 100 percent of their public school education online, so long as their teachers are state-certified and licensed.

State senators want to cap that so that only half a student's instruction can be delivered online. The House would require teachers and students to meet regularly.

We agree virtual schools seem at first blush to be an efficient way to give students access to a range of courses small school districts can only dream of. Still, legislators must be cautious not to be swept up in the excitement.

Critic's concerns about quality of instruction and teacher-student time seem valid. There is also the question of whether it's wise to allow a few online schools to open enroll an unlimited number of students.

And we can't help but wonder why the state should allow districts to turn to private, out-of-state companies for the service instead of beefing up Iowa's own Department of Education's Iowa Learning Online initiative.

In short: It's an option worth pursuing, but a lot of questions remain about the size and scope of virtual school.