– By Pushpa Sathish, Staff Writer

Skills to survive and excel in the 21st century – guess how these are best acquired?  Through online courses, according to a report published by the North American Council for Online Learning (NACOL) and the Partnership for 21st Century Skills. Advanced learning techniques, and online course design and delivery should help promote skills such as global awareness, self-directed learning, information and communications technology literacy, problem solving, time management and personal responsibility. US News Wire reports:

"Eighty-four percent of employers say K-12 schools are not doing a good job of preparing students for the workplace – not only in mastery of math and science but in a basic work ethic," said NACOL president Susan Patrick. "As a nation we have to do better, and research shows that online learning provides the interactive, collaborative and self-paced learning environment where students can gain the skills needed to succeed in today’s jobs."

Follow this link for more on the report.