Should we let students opt out of face-to-face education?

      
  In today's world of ever changing technology and how we perceive education, a new question has come up.  Should we let students opt out of face-to-face education?  Today's technology is already advanced enough for students to obtain education at any level.  Many colleges already implement online classes that allow any student to take courses, no matter where they may be.  Online classes are becoming a trendy new way of furthering one's education and allows people with hectic schedules to pursue their educational dreams.
          For many busy adults that want to further their education, the option of online college courses is an easy decision to make.  What about for high school students?  Younger adults now have the technology and the desire to participate in high school via computer.  Should schools start to allow students to work from home? I can think of many positives and many negatives to this dilemma.
          Many secondary schools already have alternative routes to achieving a high school diploma.  Some schools offer night school classes where students work at their own pace and can potentially graduate well ahead of schedule.  There are also alternative high schools that fit the needs of specific students to allow for optimal success.  What about online classes?  I feel that online classes allow a student to work at their own pace in a structured format, but still lets them learn responsibility.  The student is able to work from where ever there is internet access and a computer, be comfortable in their environment and to become somewhat independent as a person.
          I feel that online classes are not for everyone though.  I personally do not enjoy online classes.  I find that the technology may  be too advanced for some and can hinder their ability to get the most out of the class.  When I take a class, I find a sense of comfort in being able to ask my professor face-to-face, any question that I may have.  It is difficult to express ones feeling, questions, and concerns via e-mail or instant messenger.
          Another new trend for people that are seeking a cheaper education is The Khan Academy. The Khan Academy is an organization that is on a mission. They are not-for-profit with the goal of changing education for the better by providing a free world-class education to anyone anywhere.The Khan Academy can be used by almost anyone, at any level, in any subject. There are over 100,000,000 lessons available free of charge.
          It all comes down to personal choice and preference from the students.  Online courses are not for everyone, but they can potentially be a great asset for students that do not need the high school social environment. With technology becoming more involved in our everyday lives, it is inevitable that online high school classes will be more readily available.  How far will the online classes go?  Will middle schools and elementary schools move to online courses?  When and where will it stop and what does that mean for the teachers of today?