Online Learning: A 21st Century Skill
Growth in Online Education
Online education in both K12 and postsecondary education is growing rapidly and is the fastest growing segment in education (http://www.usdla.org/ ). According to a recent report approximately 12 million post-secondary students currently take online courses and it is estimated that in five years, there will be more than 22 million students taking some or all of their coursework online (http://campustechnology.com/Articles/2009/10/28/Most-College-Students-To-Take-Classes-Online-by-2014.aspx?Page=1) . Here in Idaho, there is a similar growth. Boise State University served over 15,000 enrollments online, awarded over 40,000 credits, and offered 5 degrees wholly online in 2008 (http://www.boisestate.edu/distance/snapshot2009.shtml)! Since it is likely that students will take an online course in their postsecondary studies, what role should K12 education do in preparing our students for college in the 21st century?
K12 and Online Learning
According to the International Council for Online Learning (www.inacol.org), it is estimated that there are 2 million students in K12 taking online courses. Currently three states (Michigan, Alabama, and New Mexico) require online learning as a high school graduation requirement and recognize that students will experience online education in college. Florida now requires that every K12 school district must offer a virtual school online learning option (http://virtualschooling.wordpress.com/) .
Idaho Digital Learning Academy
In 2002, the Idaho legislature established the Idaho Digital Learning Academy (IDLA) to create online options for students and recognized that technology impacts “all facets of life, including the education of students of school age and adult learners” (http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/Title33/T33CH55.htm ). IDLA received startup funds for Year 1 from the JA and Kathryn Albertson Foundation. From Fall 2002 through Fall 2009, IDLA served over 34,000 enrollments and experienced an average growth rate of over 50% per year! IDLA is currently ranked #9 in the country for the number of enrollments for a state virtual school program (http://www.kpk12.com/). These 34,000 enrollments equate to approximately 25,000 unique Idaho students better prepared for an online learning course in college or in industry due to the support and adoption of online learning by Idaho school administrators and school boards. Last year, 98% of Idaho school districts enrolled students in IDLA offering students additional choices to alleviate scheduling conflicts, providing opportunities for early graduation, advanced placement and dual credit, and offering courses unavailable at the local school district such as Chinese, Digital Photography, Astronomy, and Calculus (www.idahodigitallearning.org) .
Online Education and Academic Performance
Not only are students enrolling in online courses, their performance is high. The North Central Regional Educational Laboratory concluded that “on average, students seem to perform equally well or better academically in online learning” (http://www.ncrel.org/tech/synthesis/synthesis.pdf). One reason for high academic performance is the quality of online teachers. The teaching faculty at the Idaho Digital Learning Academy are master teachers in their content area, meet highly qualified status, and are innovative, student-centered teachers. Due to the geographic neutrality of online learning, IDLA has the ability to attract high quality teachers from all over Idaho.
Online Education and the Digital Generation
Another reason for high academic performance is the ability of online learning to engage the digital learner. Today’s student is the first generation to spend more time on the Internet than TV, think email is for old people, and want the ability to customize their learning (http://pewinternet.org/topics/Education.aspx ) . Online learning offers the ability to do this. Courses at the Idaho Digital Learning Academy incorporate blogs, wikis, podcasts, social networking, online community, simulations, animations, and other electronic media to engage the learner. Courses offer multiple opportunities to learn content and to interact with their peers and teachers in an electronically-mediated learning environment.
Final Thoughts
Several Idaho school districts and policymakers recognize that online learning is a 21st century skill and are considering graduation requirements. However, regardless of the outcome, parents and students have a choice in Idaho school districts to take an online course as a means of preparing for postsecondary studies and the 21st century. With the addition of high speed bandwidth that the Idaho Education Network provides, access for all Idaho students and districts will increase. Online learning has proven itself as a high quality, academic option that complements and expands existing K12 programs, meets the needs of the digital generation, and prepares students for the 21st century.
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