Online Learning "Vital Component" Of 21st Century Education
New Study Demonstrates Student Achievement Could Increase Through Online Learning
|
January 25, 2012 - Wichita - Last week, the Kansas House Education Committee heard from Susan Patrick of the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL), as she discussed the tremendous potential online learning has to increase student achievement. A new study from Kansas Policy Institute was released today that makes the same point. "Expanding Educational Opportunities in Kansas through Online Learning," is a soup to nuts look at the fundamentals of online learning, how it is being applied around the country, and the impact this form of K-12 education could have on students and the classroom.
"There is no silver bullet / single-solution to fix the unacceptably low achievement levels in Kansas," writes the study's author John LaPlante. "But online learning is a vital component of the broad array of reforms needed. Kansas policy makers should remove barriers to the growth of online schooling, especially regulations first meant for the brick-and-mortar school."
While nearly every aspect of life has changed for most Americans, school today looks much like it did before World War II. The world has moved to a more dynamic model for nearly every type of human endeavor, but students go to specialized buildings, five days per week, follow an agrarian calendar, and have their schedules dictated by bells. Online learning takes many forms, knows many names, and is adaptive by its very nature. It utilizes Internet connections, software that tracks student learning in real time, video conferencing, and curricula written to take advantage of emerging technologies.
The need for change is underscored by Dr. Robin Surland, of USD 259 in Wichita, when the study cites her as saying, "People expect options and flexibility today. Consumers want choice; they want to shop around."
The study points to a survey conducted by the Kansas Department of Education demonstrating a high level of satisfaction amongst students, teachers, and parents for the online learning options currently available in the state. With student achievement in Kansas stagnating over the past decade, many are beginning to ask why not try expanding online learning as a step in the right direction.
"The U.S. Department of Education tells us that only about one third of Kansas students are proficient in reading," said KPI President Dave Trabert. "And while the U.S, Dept. of Education says Kansas has some of the lowest reading standards in the country, even by KSDE standards, only 55% of 11th grade students can read grade-appropriate material with full comprehension. Kansas needs to move quickly to make this option available to more students."
The study's recommendations for making online learning more accessible in Kansas include:
1. Eliminate seat time requirements - measure success and allow students to progress based on actual learning
2. Change teacher certification laws - expand the pool of qualified teachers by allowing local school boards to determine whether a teacher is qualified
3. Require districts to allow students to enroll in online courses outside their district for courses not offered by their home district.
Trabert wrapped up the study's findings with, "Our state was an early leader with online learning but we've lost our momentum. The problem here isn't money or technology but attitudes. Online learning is the perfect catalyst to move our K-12 system from one based on inputs to one based on outputs and student learning."
|
|
# # #
Kansas Policy Institute is an independent think-tank that advocates for free market solutions and the protection of personal freedom for all Kansans. Our work centers on state and local economic policy with primary emphasis on education, fiscal policy and health care. We empower citizens, legislators and other government officials with objective research and creative ideas to promote a low-tax, pro-growth environment that preserves the ability of governments to provide high quality services. To speak with Kansas Policy Institute, please contact James Franko at (316) 634-0218.
|
