Online Schools: Oregon

As the thirty-third state admitted to the Union, Oregon has witnessed its share of struggles. Disputes over the state’s vast natural resources, coupled with a diverse population, brought adversity to the area long before it became an official state on February 14, 1859. Competition between Spanish explorers, British merchants, U.S settlers and Native American Indians emphasized the importance of this coastal state in international trade, industry, and security. Today, Oregon leads the nation in timber exports, is home to several prominent environmental protection organizations, and is headquarters for Intel, Nike, Inc., and Columbia Sportswear, among many others.

Since the 1970’s the Beaver state has been a hub for growing technological advancement. Recently nicknamed the “Silicon Forest,” Oregon has taken the initiative to meet the growing demand for online education.

Both students and educators can easily access online schools in Oregon through Oregon Colleges Online, a comprehensive website linking individuals to distance learning programs throughout the state. Some of the key contributors to Oregon’s online education include the Oregon Network for Education (ONE), Oregon Access, Cyber Oregon Online School (COOLSchool), and Oregon Online. Providing for students of all ages, Oregon’s online schools offer diverse, accredited courses designed to meet the demands of a changing learning environment. For individuals interested in distance learning, ONE connects students with K-12, college and university online courses as well as provides links for online degree programs. Oregon Access, one of the first IP-based video networks in the U.S., provides a system that allows educators and students to interact online with other distance learners around the state. The Oregon Access Network services over 200 high schools, 20 school districts and community college/university programs throughout Oregon. Other online schools in Oregon, such as CoolSchool and Oregon Online, provide diverse courses from accredited programs, using a variety of technologies to enhance online learning.

Because of the increased demand for online schools, Oregon colleges and educational organizations now offer a number of degrees and certificates that can be completed entirely online. Some of these include: Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer Degree; Associate of Applied Science; Associate of Science; Associate of General Studies; and even counseling certificates in Dependency and Addiction Studies. Aside from these options for students, educators are afforded many online options for professional development courses through Oregon Virtual School District. ORVSD provides free services designed to help teachers make better use of technology in the classroom. Both the private and public sectors seem dedicated to promoting online education in Oregon.

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