What is Digital Learning Day? "Digital Learning Day is a culminating event in a year-round national awareness campaign to improve teaching and learning for all children", a place to start a conversation, try one new thing, or showcase a success! Digital learning is part of everything we do. Technology facilitates our vacations, shopping, banking, and communications. It's time to embrace what how we learn digitally and celebrate it, learn better ways to make it happen, and share with others. Don't miss out on the chance to be a part of this first time ever national effort. Register today, it's free!
Did you know that in 2010, more than 4 million K-12 students participated in formal virtual learning programs? The continued growth in K12 online learning is not just a trend. As enrollments in non traditional learning environments grow, states are working on proposing mandates that students take at least one online course prior to graduating from high school. according to a recent article in eSchool News, in 2006, Michigan was the first state to implement such a requirement followed by Alabama in 2008. Soon Florida and Idaho are were on board while it appears Indiana willl be next in line.
One challenge states are faced with when proposing required online education is defining what that is and what it looks like. Most states recognize that a fully online course is not the only way for a student to experience an alternative learning environment. Like any organization, the end goal must be examined in order to determine the path to reach it. Guidelines allowed include technology rich courses, a hybrid model of using a laptop onsite to take an online class, using live webinar teachings, participating in web chats about course content, and using learning management systems to access content and assignments among others.
K-12 online learning is about a decade behind the same concepts in higher education. However, it seems to be growing at a much more rapid pace. There seems to be less controversy about the usefulness of it, pedagogy discussions, and academic integrity that has plagued higher ed for so long. Rather, it seems educators in the K-12 space are embracing the new found freedom to assist their students in learning through technology and pushing the boundaries of traditional learning. Is that because we've already fought the battle in higher ed or do you think it is because K12 administrators are less resistant to change? Interesting topic for discussion.
According to the Center for Digital Education, there are 10 most highly demanded K-12 Technologies. Vendors in these markets can expect to see a rise in sales.
According to recent reports K-12 online learning is growing. Like early on in higher education there is much debate about whether online learning is the best choice for secondary learners. Nonetheless, the rapid growth and success in alternative learning environments is undeniable. Check out the statistics below.
K–12 online learning is a new field consisting of an estimated $50 million market, which is growing at an estimated annual pace of 30% annually.
The overall number of K–12 students engaged in online courses during 2007–2008 is estimated at 1.03 million, a 47% increase from 2005–2006
Online learning is currently used by 4% of K–12 students, and this number is expected to grow to 15% by 2011
44 states have significant supplemental online learning programs, significant full-time programs (in which students take most or all of their courses online), or both.
34 states offer state-led programs or initiatives that are designed, in most cases, to work with existing school districts to supplement course offerings for students.
As of January 2007, there were 173 virtual charter schools serving 92,235 students in 18 states.
57% of public secondary schools in the U.S. provide students access to online learning.
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