Online learning 'levels the playing field'

"Online learning levels the playing field," the state superintendent told MEC forum attendees. "Education shouldn't be predetermined by geography." Online learning also can be used by businesses, according to Bounds. "It's a very inexpensive way to roll out training for your employees," he said.

The proposed plan also would redesign the current ninth-grade Discovery course, changing it to STEM - science, technology, engineering and mathematics - applications.

"Every student in Mississippi will take an online course," Bounds said. Through STEM applications, students will be exposed to rigorous technology-application tools, he said, which they will use to solve real-world, industry-specific problems and complete an online course.