www.inacol.org
A National Perspective on K-12 Online Learning
Matthew Wicks iNACOL Vice President Strategy and Organizational Development
International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL)
• iNACOL is the leading, international, non-profit association in K-12 online learning.
• Based in the Washington, DC metropolitan area (Vienna, VA)• 3800+ members in K-12 districts, states, universities,
researchers & online learning providers• Provides leadership, advocacy, research, training and
networking with experts in K-12 online learning.• “Ensure every student has access to the best education
available regardless of geography, income or background.”• Conference - Virtual School Symposium (VSS) in
Indianapolis (November 9-11, 2011)• www.inacol.org
www.inacol.org
Sponsors:
Comprehensiveness of Program
• Full-time Online School
• Supplemental Online Program
• Blended Learning
Full-Time Online School• Full-time online schools, also called
cyberschools, work with students who are enrolled primarily (often only) in the online school.
• Cyberschools are typically responsible for their students' scores on state assessments required by No Child Left Behind.
• In some states most full-time online schools are charter schools.
Keeping Pace 2010, page 13.
Supplemental Online Program
Supplemental online programs provide a small number of courses to students who are enrolled in a school separate from the online program.
Keeping Pace 2010, page 13.
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Providing Opportunities to All Students
Need to work and/or support family
Credit Recovery
Aspiring athletes and performers
Medically Fragile
Home Schoolers
Accelerated Students
Traditional Public/Private
Special Education and ELL
Rural Students
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District online programs
Level of activity not well known but varies by state
Often involves: • Creating online options for the first time• Moving from one student segment to broader
student populations• Blended or hybrid instead of fully online
• Credit recovery appears to be a leading driver
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District online learning progression• Small % of districts offering comprehensive
online options—likely no more than 10%—but number is increasing fast
• Decision-makers are often school-based but moving towards district-wide decisions
• Key factors are cost, competition, and addressing gaps in opportunities
Disrupting Class (2008)• Applies the theory of disruptive innovation to education• Predicts that in 2019, 50% of high school courses will be
delivered online
http://www.innosightinstitute.org/media-room/publications/education-publications/
Definition of blended learning
Any time a student learns in part in a supervised brick-and-mortar place away from home
At least in part through online delivery, with some element of student control over time, place, path and/or pace
and
= Blended learning
Copyright Innosight Institute, Inc.
Copyright Innosight Institute, Inc.
6 models of blended learning
Online Learning
Traditional Classroom
Personalized Learning
Competency Based
BlendedLearning
What Is Competency-Based?
Carnegie Unit• Implicit assumption that time equates to
value
• Flexibility in awarding credit acknowledges not everyone learns at the same rate
• Competency-based systems, go beyond just creating flexibility in awarding credit
Competency-Based PathwaysDesign Principles
1. Students Advance Upon Mastery
2. Explicit and Measurable Learning Objectives That Empower Students
3. Assessment is Meaningful and a Positive Learning Experience for Students
Do All Students Have Access to the Highest Quality Education?
• “Advanced Diploma” Courses
• Additional Course Offerings– Advanced Placement, IB or Dual Enrollment/Credit
Courses– Math & Science Courses– Foreign Languages
• Remediation and Supplemental Resources
• Excellent teachers/Highly Qualified Teachers
• Multimedia/Technology Tools to Enhance Instruction
What Does Opportunity Look Like?
• Students have the option to choose a variety of high quality options:
– Blended Learning
– Supplemental Online Courses
– Full-time Online Programs
Key Policy Issues
• Funding
• Quality
• Access