More students in the Chippewa Valley will have the opportunity to log-on for classes instead of hitting the books next year.

The Menomonie Area School District approved the addition of virtual schools Monday night. The Director of Education and Teaching, Chris Stratton says we're living in a digital world, and by offering more classes online, virtual schools will give students a better competitive edge.

Though students at Menomonie High School already have computers integrated in their schoolwork, Stratton says it's important to take technology a step further and offer virtual schools.

"We can't design a classroom around 18 students who want to take a single AP class. This gives students a one-on-one basis; the opportunity to pursue those interests,” says Stratton.

As part of the Wisconsin Web Academy, the virtual schools will also have additional foreign language classes, besides advanced placement and general education classes. Therefore, students can earn a high school diploma full-time without even setting foot in a school.

But, Stratton says virtual schools don't allow for any slacking. "Each student is assigned a local education guide,” he explains. “That adult in their world will be checking their weekly progress and keeping students on track.”

Director of Technology Garland Green has been tracking the progress of kids already logging on for their integrated classes.

"We didn't stop teaching classes; we had about 5800 students logging in during that break time," says Green.

He says the popularity of online learning so far, bodes well for virtual schools.

"This technology offers and can give our students the exposure the future of online learning and also the workplace. So, we have to provide those students with the real-life experience,” says Green.

Green says the school district does have the funds to provide computers and internet connection for students who do not have it at home, but would like to participate in virtual schools.

Students can begin applying for virtual schools now, up through the first day of the school year in September.

For more information, visit the Menomonie Area School District Website at http://msd.k12.wi.us/.