Why the sudden change? Computer-based learning possesses technological and economic advantages --
including customized learning and low-cost delivery -- that will end-run the traditional public education model.
While estimates vary depending on circumstance, many current online education providers have costs that
range from $200 to $600 per course, far less than the current public education model. And technologically,
computer-based learning has the potential to scale quality with relative ease -- a powerful advantage.
More than twenty-five states now have organizations providing web-based courses. In 2006-07, one-third of
high school seniors in Utah took a class online through the state's Electronic High School last year; 52,000
students were served by the Florida Virtual School and 4,600 students were enrolled in the Georgia Virtual
School.