Design should feature a variety of technology tools, and meets accessibility standards. Courses should be evaluated regularly and updated. There is a comprehensive information and assessment system in place, which is used to improve teaching and learning. Resources and support services are available to assist learners. The school also strives to build effective relationships with and among stakeholders. The Commission also stated, "Accreditation of online programs should be consistent with that of traditional schools wherever possible. The additional accreditation standards for online should be limited to areas that are unique to online learning" (p. 11).
Finally, a large barrier to the growth of online learning comes from outdated 20th century policies that don‘t work with new modes of 21st century learning, such as "[o]nline course delivery across borders." It no longer makes sense to require students to be taught "by state-certified teachers residing in the state," nor to have "seat time requirements ... in an environment where true educational outcomes can be easily tracked and substituted instead" (Watson & Ryan, 2006, p. 11).
Conclusion What‘s online education all about? The short answer is: "increasing opportunities." Armed with this introduction to K-12 online learning, its definitions, availability, viewpoints, demos, and concerns, why not expand the adventure by taking your next professional development course online? OnlineTeacherEd.com provides an easy to search directory of regionally accredited colleges and universities in the United States that offer certificate programs and various degree programs in education in a distance-education format for teachers, administrators, and paraprofessionals. Bonus features include subject matter resources, monthly newsletters about distance education and electronic portfolios, and research and reports on education technology and policy issues. Work in the comfort of your own home and enjoy!
Picciano, A., & Seaman, J. (2007). K-12 online learning: A survey of U.S. school district administrators. Retrieved March 26, 2007, from The Sloan Consortium
