>>> back now with our education nation report on the growing number of schools across the country that are offering, some even requiring, online classes for middle and high school students. in fact, some of these public schools exist completely online. we get our report tonight from our chief education correspondent rehema ellis.
>> reporter: it is time for school for allison shanaki.
>> i wake up at 8:00. i eat breakfast. i go to my school.
>> reporter: for allison, class is right at home.
>> in the kitchen, on the table, in my room.
>> reporter: she and her brother noah are enrolled full time in the florida virtual school , an internet-based public school . virtual schools aren't fading quickly, from students from kindergarter to 12th grade , allowing them to take all or some of their classes from home. they can answer questions by e-mail, phone, even video conference .
>> it is providing them fields they're going to need time management , and consistency in your work. communication with instructors.
>> reporter: and just like a student, some teachers do it right from home. nationwide, 250,000 students are enrolled in full time virtual schools, up 40% in the last three years. 30 states offer a full-time online education to at least some students. advocates say this technology is one way cash-strapped districts can save money. variety and flexibility are major draws.
>> we don't believe that virtual schools are going to replace public schools . we believe they're going to change them.
>> reporter: still, some question the effectiveness of online learning , saying more research needs to be done. programs do include teacher and student interaction, critics argue school is about more than just completing a lesson.
>> schools historically in this country existed not simply to teach people to read or count, but also to teach them how to be citizens.
>> reporter: for the shanakis, the ability to juggle school work around busy schedules is part of the allure and challenge.
>> you have to push yourself harder. no one is here saying you got to do it and jam it down your throat.
>> reporter: a new way of teaching and learning, redefining just what it means to go to school. rehema ellis, nbc news, new york.
Source: http://video.msnbc.msn.com/nightly-news/45454710/
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