Online Learning: One Pathway to Success
A growing number of K-12 school systems are discovering the power of online learning to transform education as we know it, opening up nearly limitless possibilities for their students. Through online learning, students can connect with their peers across the globe and can enroll in courses that might not be available in their neighborhood school. Students also can recover lost credits, learn in the manner that best suits their needs, and even take college-level courses.
Despite these proven benefits, there are several barriers to implementing a successful online-learning program. Debates over funding, accreditation, and the quality of online instruction continue to challenge educators as they seek to launch such programs in their schools.
With the generous support of KC Distance Learning, we’ve assembled this collection of stories from our archives to help school leaders better understand and navigate the online-learning landscape.
—The Editors
Could net-neutrality ruling hinder online education?
A federal court threw the future of internet regulations and U.S. broadband expansion plans into doubt April 6 with a far-reaching decision that went against the Federal Communications…
National Broadband Plan focuses on e-Rate, online learning
More students should have access to online learning, and the federal e-Rate program should be more widely deployed and should embrace and encourage innovation, according to the National…
New tools will make online courses more accessible
Florida Virtual School, a pioneer in K-12 online learning, is adding to its reputation as a national innovator with the introduction of read-aloud functionality and other accessibility tools…
Interest in hybrid courses on the rise
A growing number of schools now offer what's known as “hybrid” courses, which mix an online experience with traditional classroom learning.…
Has Google developed the next wave of online education?
Combining text, audio, and video chat with features like drag-and-drop documents and interactive polls, Google Wave is a free web program that could add unprecedented depth to student…
States boost access to online education
A new survey intended to evaluate online-learning policies and practices from coast to coast reveals significant growth in state and district support for this instructional model at the…
eSN Special Report: Beyond virtual schools
These days, virtual education can be more than a home-schooled child sitting alone in front of a computer. Purveyors of online-education products are creating various delivery methods to…
Funding advice for online learning
As online learning continues to gain momentum across the country, education experts are warning that policies surrounding this popular learning option are shaky at best. A new report…
ED: Blended learning helps boost achievement
A new analysis of existing online-learning research by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) reveals that students who took all or part of their class on line performed…
Study: Students want more online learning
Despite a growing interest in online learning among students, the availability of online classes in K-12 schools and districts hasn't kept pace with the demand, according to a…
Report: Online learning a ‘lifeline’ in rural areas
Online learning offers a lifeline--especially for rural schools, according to a recent study that also predicts "blended learning" could be the way most students learn in the future. Key…
Internships help prepare future online teachers
As virtual schooling continues to surge in popularity, there is a growing need for new K-12 teachers who understand how to teach in an online environment successfully. To…
Why some students prefer virtual schooling
What motivates a growing number of virtual-school students to forgo the traditional school structure and take their classes entirely online? At the Virtual School Symposium hosted by the North…
Report challenges online-learning assumptions
Some critics of distance learning say face-to-face classes give students a better learning environment, but a recent Indiana University study found that online learners reported deeper approaches to…
These traits make online teachers successful
What are the qualities that help instructors succeed when teaching online? That was the focus of a lively discussion at the 14th annual Sloan-C International Conference on Online…
Panelists: Online learning can help minority students
As online learning becomes more of a strategic resource for K-12 and higher-education institutions to supplement traditional courses, education leaders are starting to discuss how online learning can…
Online Learning Resources
Aventa Learning Case Study
See how Cook County’s online learning program for at-risk youths has re-energized education, growing from 20 students to more than 60 in just a year.
Aventa Learning Solutions
Aventa Learning’s 140+ online middle and high school courses serve students in grades 6-12 and include 20+ AP courses taught by over 200 highly qualified instructors. Schools can enhance their core, elective and AP course offerings.
Aventa Learning Case Study
Granada Hills is the largest comprehensive independent conversion charter school in the nation, serving nearly 4,200 students. With a diverse and large student body, teaching to each student’s learning needs is one of the school’s greatest challenges. Read the Granada Hills Charter School Case Study.
Aventa Learning Solutions
Alignment to state standards is the basis of the Aventa Learning course design process. We identify both the standards that are consistent across the vast majority of states and we customize courses to meet the unique standards of specific states.
Aventa Learning Case Study
Hear how East Valley School District is using innovative technology solutions to help the district improve student achievement and reduce the dropout rate.
Aventa Learning Solutions
Aventa's credit recovery program provides schools with a cost-effective, comprehensive and flexible tool to help students pass courses and get the credits needed to graduate high school.