As the trend of online education continues to expand, some critics question whether an online education is able to provide students with the proper development of interpersonal relationships and social skills.

In a recent study, researchers with The Center for Research in Educational Policy at the University of Memphis found that students who attend an online public school full-time are highly engaged in activities beyond the classroom, and showed improved interpersonal skills. Online education can, and does, provide a well-rounded education including both high-quality curriculum and necessary social development skills.

As director at the Minnesota Center of Online Learning, an accredited, public online school for students in grades K-12 throughout the state of Minnesota, part of my job is to ensure students have access to a multi-faceted education, which includes access to social events, clubs, activities, and service opportunities. While many of our students at MCoOL are involved in peer programs at their churches, 4-H clubs or athletic groups, we also encourage our students to get involved with their peers at MCoOL.

In the classroom, we encourage development of interpersonal relationships through Elluminate sessions, where students hold online discussions with each other and with their teachers, posing and answering questions. Outside the classroom, students can use iQuad — a safe, online social networking site just for students.

Additionally, what I believe sets MCoOL apart from other online education programs, is how we organize and host various social activities throughout the year, such as field trips to science museums and festivals, and social outings such as bowling and pizza parties. We also provide students the chance to get involved in a wide range of extracurricular activities including book, history, and art clubs, and various service opportunities as part of our Community Enrichment program, where students do service projects for high school credit.

At the end of each school year, MCoOL hosts an in-person graduation ceremony, where graduates and their families travel to celebrate the completion of their high school education together. After a formal and traditional style graduation ceremony, there is time set aside during a reception where the graduates can have fun and just enjoy each other’s company as well as visit with attending family members.

These are just a few examples of the activities hosted by MCoOL to encourage development of our students’ communication skills and peer relationships. Online education options are growing rapidly across the nation, and more and more students are taking advantage of the unique opportunity.

By providing a first-class curriculum with individualized attention from experienced, state-licensed teachers, as well as a wide array of social outlets and extracurricular activities that are so important to social development, virtual schools such as MCoOL encompass the multi-facetted education today’s youth need to succeed in whatever field they might pursue.

About MCoOL

The Minnesota Center of Online Learning is a Minnesota and AdvanceEd accredited, public online school offering a unique education option for students in grades K-12. The rigorous curriculum and experienced, state-licensed teachers provide a high-quality education. A division of Houston (Minn.) Public Schools, MCoOL offers a rich and comprehensive K-6 curriculum, along with more than 100 middle and high school course offerings. A MCoOL counselor will work with the student and family to develop an individualized learning plan to meet each student’s educational needs.

Steve Kerska is the director of educational options for the Minnesota Center of Online Learning.