Scott Signs Virtual Education Bill

June 28, 2013

Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday signed a virtual education bill meant to spur some kinds of online courses. The measure (HB 7029) aims to encourage the use of massive open online courses, known as MOOCs, in Florida schools. Out-of-state companies would be able to provide the courses under the change, and “blended” courses that include some online instruction and some classroom time would be exempt from class-size requirements.

Supporters of the bill said it will help Florida adapt its education system to take advantage of new technology. But opponents criticized the measure for allowing out-of-state providers to qualify for the programs.

The bill was one of four signed Thursday by Scott.

Others included a transportation measure (HB 85) that allows the use of public-private partnerships for county road projects and extends the terms for leases that the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority may enter into from 40 years to 99 years. Another bill (SB 1784) allows the Military Base Protection Program to secure non-conservation lands to serve as added buffers to protect military installations.

Comments

2 Responses to “Scott Signs Virtual Education Bill”

  1. David Huie Green on June 29th, 2013 6:59 pm

    CONTEMPLATING:
    “I am wondering what controls will be in place to prevent cheating and payment of others to work for some students?”

    Require them to pass the FCAT and/or an end of course examination with people monitoring their work. (And then let them complain how they know the subject but are just bad at taking tests, whereas taking tests is just reading the questions and writing the answers — if you know them and can read and write.)

    David for appropriate electronics
    and reading and writing and ‘rithmatic

  2. No Excuses on June 28th, 2013 8:25 am

    I think this is a great idea – it makes education more accessible for some who may need to work for various reasons. However, I am wondering what controls will be in place to prevent cheating and payment of others to work for some students? It’s a very real problem in online learning and has been addressed extensively in other arenas. Just wondering how and if it has been addressed here?