If you're old enough to have learned to type on an actual typewriter, you may be surprised to know that many students are taking courses without entering a classroom these days.

Students in the Twin Falls School District have increased their enrollment in online courses through the Idaho Digital Learning Academy (IDLA), which allows students to take classes that aren't provided by the schools they're enrolled in.

According to a recent IDLA report, the pass rate for online classes in Idaho is 71 percent, but at 81 percent, students in the Twin Falls School District are performing significantly better than the statewide average, and enrollment is increasing.

Two years ago, 254 IDLA courses were taken in the district - some students took more than one class - compared to 394 classes last year.

"This year, we're already up to 149," district spokeswoman Beth Pendergrass said, adding that district principals are encouraging students to take at least one online course to prepare themselves for further advancements in educational technology.

"More than likely, when they go to college, they'll have to take an online course at some point," Pendergrass said.

State school funding is partially calculated by a district's attendance rate. Area private- and homeschooled students who take IDLA courses count as increased enrollment for the school district.

The funding formula, Pendergrass emphasized, is "very complicated" - but, essentially, state funds are apportioned based on two different reporting periods each year to the state department of education. The second period encompasses the best 28 weeks of attendance.

It's more difficult to get a head-count in an online class, of course, so attendance is based on enrollment.

"It has nothing to do with how many times they log on. If you're enrolled in a class, it's like you're there for that period," Pendergrass said.

Students take online courses for myriad reasons, District Director of Secondary Programs Mary Lu Barry said. If the district doesn't offer the class - Mandarin Chinese, for example - it pays the $50 course fee, but students may also take online courses for early-graduation credit or making up credit for a failed class. In those circumstances, students pay the fees.

"I've seen the evolution from face-to-face instruction to online instruction to blended learning, which I think is ideal," Barry said. "This really has opened up amazing opportunities for our students."

Barry emphasized that each IDLA class is taught by a certified teacher who is monitored by online principals to ensure regular feedback is given to students.

"It's not an easier route. The classes are just as rigorous, if not more rigorous, than face-to-face instruction," Barry said.

Damon Hunzeker may be reached at dhunzeker@magicvalley.com or 208-735-3204.