Online classes likely to become more common

FLORENCE, Ala. (AP) — Alabama educators have long known that online classes provide experience and preparation students need for life after high school, either for college or the workforce.

But the state has never done much more than suggest schools implement them in the curriculum, until now. Under the state’s new diploma requirements, which go into effect this fall and begin with incoming ninth-graders, there’s a required college and career preparedness course that incorporates computer applications.