Published: March 29, 2007
E-Learning Curve
A boom in online education has school leaders and policymakers struggling to stay one click ahead.
Virtual learning, barely a blip on the computer screen a decade ago, is fast becoming part of the educational mainstream. And much as in other areas of technological innovation, the rapid pace of change has left policymakers scrambling to catch up with the virtual reality.
From state-led programs to cyber charters and district-run online schools, virtual schooling poses policy questions ranging from funding to quality. Online learning is also prodding states to re-examine requirements that may not fit well with virtual environments, such as measuring student “seat time” in classrooms.
The Colorado legislature is expected to tighten the reins on online learning, for example, following a state audit that found oversight wanting. Kansas officials are also conducting an audit of that state’s online schools. Washington state recently issued new guidelines for its “alternative learning environment” programs, which include virtual schools. And Florida has totally revamped how it pays for...
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- Teacher
- Perspectives Charter Schools, Chicago, IL
- Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
- Lake Forest School District 67 & 115, Lake Forest, IL
- Director of School Support
- The Achievement Network, Multiple Locations
- Superintendent
- Princeton Public School District, Princeton, NJ
- Elementary Principal
- Forest Grove School District, Forest Grove, OR
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Web Resources
- Read the October 2006 report "Keeping Pace With K-12 Online Learning: A Review of State-Level Policy and Practice" from the North American Council for Online Learning. NACOL also provides resources and research for online course instruction and technology in schools.
- The Florida Virtual School is the country's first statewide Internet-based public high school.
- Read the "Guide to Teaching Online Courses" from the National Education Association.
- The Southern Regional Education Board issued "Standards for Quality Online Courses" in November 2006. .
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