CT4ME's Mission:
Harnessing the Power of Educational Technology for Learning

Do you have concerns about online learning?

Your district might have adopted online learning for all or a model that combines online and face-to-face learning for all students.  Or, you might be offering individual online courses developed by outside curriculum providers or staff in your district.  If you have concerns, Patricia Deubel's publications in THE Journal and the Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration provide some thoughts to consider.

What's online education all about? includes types of online learning and concerns.

Should states mandate online learning? includes a key question: How does the nature of learners themselves and the learning process impact implementation?  Online learning might not meet needs or be suitable for all learners.

What's full-time for K-12 online teaching?—a dilemma.  There's a potential greater time commitment for educators.  Should instruction be synchronous or asynchronous?

Guidelines for selecting quality K-12 online courses elaborates on several considerations, such as selecting courses that meet standards and accreditation, principles of Universal Design for Learning by all students, teacher training, student training, formative/summative assessments and monitoring against cheating, and the following key supports:

1. Are secure administrative, technical and personal support systems available to instructors and students, which ensure uninterrupted, successful participation in the online environment?
2. Does the technological infrastructure support attainment of learning outcomes for all students?

Learning from reflections: Issues in building quality online courses

Online learning in K-12 can be challenging for students, parents, educators, and school districts.  As one who has been involved with teaching and learning online for many years, I hope you find the above articles helpful.