Originally published on Education Insights in March, 2024
A pioneer of virtual education, incorporated in 2017, Indiana Digital Learning School (INDLS) has been embracing an innovative education strategy to provide learners with the best education. Acknowledging each child’s unique brilliance with a rigorous and exciting K-12 curriculum, INDLS is poised to lead online learning to new heights under the fine guidance of Elizabeth Sliger.
“As educators and administrators, we are aware that customized learning experiences enable students to realize their full potential and that excellent education can be provided online. At INDLS, we take pride in establishing a daily routine and consistency—complete with guidance, support, and connections—that allow students to enjoy learning throughout their education journeys,” said Elizabeth Sliger, Executive Director of INDLS.
Vision and Mission
The vision of INDLS is to strive to individualize education for each student while providing a well-developed and routine school day that promotes student success in education and life. In order to fulfill their vision, the team works hard to educate each student with a personalized approach.
INDLS is continuously working on its mission to educate all students to be productive, responsible citizens and life-long learners who work to their full potential.
Dynamic Educator and Business Leader
Elizabeth Sliger is a passionate educator specializing in instructional design and framework for online education. She is a well-known educator and seasoned professional with years of expertise, serving as the head of the Indiana Digital Learning School. She completed her master’s degree at the esteemed American College of Education.
As an educator, Elizabeth has navigated a personal and professional path to understanding school choice and the value that virtual education provides to students and families. Despite living in a highly respected school district, her son wasn’t learning in a typical classroom; she understood this as both his mother and a teacher. She began looking at virtual teaching jobs because she wanted to support her son’s academic career with more time at home. The experience was eye-opening. She was soon introduced to cutting-edge technology that enabled her to engage with children and share her passion for literature, and at each interaction, her students continued to show her exactly why virtual education was the best option for them. By finding virtual education, she found her professional purpose. In a short period of time, Elizabeth worked to move up in her position, rising from administrative assistant to Executive Director of Indiana Digital Learning School.
Technology in the Online Classroom
INDLS partners with the Stride K12 technology platform to provide an effortless learning environment for their students. The K12 Zone, a virtual playground where students congregate, mingle, attend video presentations and field trips, and socialize in a secure and supervised atmosphere, is something they are particularly proud of adding this year. INDLS students have thoroughly enjoyed the virtually simulated experiences, which encompassed taking part in career fairs, virtually seeing zoos and art galleries, attending tutoring sessions, learning buddy systems, and much more.
Taking Learning to the Next Level
INDLS makes sure to align their curriculum with the Indiana Employability Standards, which start in kindergarten. Their teachers work across all grade levels to expose and explore careers and soft skills that students can leverage when they transition out of secondary school. Students that engage in virtual learning often acquire a unique ability to customize and direct their education, offering them a competitive edge in the context of higher education. In addition, students in high school who participate in INDLS have the opportunity to obtain several certificates in industries with high demand and up to two years of college credit before graduating. By carefully planning their post-graduation pathways, INDLS makes sure that kids are aware of their possibilities and equipped to succeed after high school.
Battling the Challenges Along the Way
Virtual schools often struggle with unfounded negative perceptions within the education space, with challenges in gaining respect compared to brick-and-mortar learning institutions. Indiana’s virtual schools need legislation that safeguards and promotes choice in education options. Enacting laws is crucial to ensuring equal opportunity and promoting creativity in education. These laws empower parents to make educated decisions about their children’s education, whether it be through traditional public schools, charter schools, private schools, homeschooling, or other alternatives. Lawmakers can do this by allowing families to choose the educational environment that best meets their children’s needs and by recognizing the diversity of learning styles and preferences within communities. Additionally, encouraging variety in education options produce healthy rivalry amongst educators, which pushes improvements in general accountability and quality. Ultimately, legislation that protects and supports choice in education options in Indiana is vital for fostering and maintaining a dynamic educational landscape that prioritizes student success and fulfillment.
Legacy and Purpose
“The ultimate testament of my tenure at INDLS will surely be the impact that our school will have on others and that my passion will encourage students and colleagues to consider how they live out their own purpose each day, said Sliger. “As the saying goes, we should not force square pegs into a round holes. We should consider changing the environment to fit the child.”
The Future of Online Learning
Moving forward, INDLS will remain dedicated to its goal of advancing personalized learning and technology while upholding a regular and reliable system of student support. Teachers and students now have more opportunities to connect and learn online because of ongoing investments in the virtual environment. Although the technologies may change, the value of these connections won’t. Teachers have the magic, and they will be here supporting students for decades upon decades.
To learn more about Indiana Digital Learning School (INDLS), visit https://indls.k12.com/.
