The department of education shall develop alternative methods by which adult students attending adult high schools may meet requirements that condition the receipt of credit for a course on a minimum number of contact hours. The alternative methods may be in lieu of all or part of the required contact hours. The alternative methods may include learning programs such as independent study under the guidance of a teacher at the adult high school, computer-assisted learning programs, on-line or distance learning programs, and work experience, if appropriate, for a particular course. Any student pursuing an alternate method of satisfying a contact hours requirement shall demonstrate mastery of the course content prior to receiving credit for the course.