STEUBENVILLE, OH -- Students can now go to school from kindergarten to 12th grade without leaving their home. Now, kids can get their diploma by using their keyboard and mouse. Katina Demitras of Steubenville didn't feel safe while attending school at Big Red High School. She decided to log on to learn.

"I can go and travel and log on to any computer and still do school work," Katina says.

Now, Katina, a Junior, enjoys taking class in the comfort of her home. She's been an Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow or ECOT student for two years now. She does her assignments at her own pace...and loves the independence. Katina is one of 50 Jefferson County students and one of almost six-thousand students state-wide getting her high school diploma online. The school gives students computers and pays for internet access. ECOT Superintendent Jeffrey Forster says the online classroom offers an option to students who have had difficulties in a brick and mortar school.

Ten teachers in the ECOT program are from the Steubenville area. Today, they met with the superintendent. ECOT Teacher Robb Townsend is from Mingo Junction. He taught at an inner city school for two years and calls the experience "difficult." Townsend says he likes the one on one contact he has with his students. They stay in contact through email and on the phone. And he's happy because he's seen a lot of success stories.

The program has increased in popularity in its three years of existence. This year, almost 350 students will graduate from ECOT -- up from 17 its first year.

And next year, Katina will get her diploma.

If you would like more information on ECOT, you can log on to their website at www.ecotohio.org

Ashlea Kosikowski, NEWS 9