Education shapes our future; it is where we first learn to interact with others on a social level, where we obtain the skills and resources necessary for solving everyday challenges and where we begin to learn the value of hard work. Unfortunately, approximately seven thousand students nationwide drop out of school every day and according to a December 2010 report published by The National Center for Educational Statistics, three million non-institutionalized young people between the ages of 16 and 24 are not enrolled in school and have not received a diploma or other credentials. These numbers are alarming, which is why it is extremely important educators of today embrace and put into play new ways of reaching out and educating students.

There are many factors as to why students drop out of school or fail to graduate. Incorporating video conferencing technology into the educational curriculum is an excellent course of action to take to keep students involved and interested in the overall academic experience. Below are five prevailing reasons students give for dropping out of school and examples of how video conferencing can be used to alter the outcome.

1. Classes not interesting
A common excuse as to why a student may drop out of school is lack of an interesting curriculum. Bringing video conferencing into the classroom changes that. Students can be taken on virtual tours and field trips, connect with students in other parts of the world and participate in presentations given by international experts. A classroom that lacks stimulation in the eyes of students should no longer be an excuse for dropping out of school.

2. Have to get a job
Web-based video conferencing provides a flexible solution for students who can’t attend a typical classroom setting due to them having to get a job. Online education can give students access to classes that work within their schedule.

3. Life changing event, such as becoming a parent or having to care for a sick family member
For students who drop out of school due to the birth of a child, video conferencing gives teachers the ability to provide an educational platform that will keep the student involved in a classroom setting. By broadcasting live lessons over the internet, students can attend classes from the comfort of their own home, yet communicate and interact with the other students as if they were all sitting in the same room.

4. Lack of parental participation or support of education
In education, having ample parental support is a huge factor in the success of a student. If a student is doing poorly, teachers need to be able to communicate and work with their parents to come up with solutions to help that student succeed. Due to busy schedules and conflicts, face-to-face parent/teacher conferences sometimes are impossible. Being caught in traffic or held up at work is no longer a justifiable reason for not supporting or participating in the education of a student. With video conferencing teachers can connect and meet with parents from anywhere and at any-time, providing them with tools needed to keep parents active and informed during the education process.

5. Unidentified learning disability and/or learning style
A classroom is a demanding environment; some students need extra attention. Through video conferencing teachers or tutors can give special attention to students who may have special needs or learning disabilities. These students can connect with their teachers outside the normal classroom setting and get the extra help they need to stay on the same level as other students in their class.

Active interaction and communication is a key factor in keeping students interested and enrolled in school. Educational institutions using video conferencing as a substitution or addition to the traditional classroom environment are giving students unlimited opportunities to connect and receive the additional support they may need.