Tom Clark and Michael K. Barbour
Abstract
This overview chapter summarizes the evolution and growth of online, blended, and distance learning approaches in elementary and secondary education around the world. It asks what North American and international educators can learn from each other about online, blended, and distance learning, and what key policy and practice issues in the field need to be addressed. In response to these questions, contributed chapters solicited from leading experts and practitioners are presented in this book, in sections on Research and Policy and Case Studies on Practice. A brief synopsis is presented in the overview for each contributed chapter.
Discussion Questions
1. In his 2012 MOOC chapter, Clark states that supervised correspondence study in the 1920s was the forerunner of K-12 online learning today. What are some key differences in the student experience in these two types of distance education?
2. Is it possible to have a "virtual school" or K-12 online learning program without instruction? Why or why not?
3. Based on a review of Barbour's 2014 history chapter and Clark's 2008 virtual schooling chapter (see Additional Resources), what are some factors that help explain why North America has taken the lead in development of K-12 online learning?
4. Based on a review of findings in the 2011 international survey for iNACOL and Barbour's 2014 history chapter, how do online and blended learning practices in other nations differ from practices in the U. S.?
5. The authors assert that the emergence of K–12 blended learning has brought online learning into the mainstream. Argue for or against this contention.
Additional Resources
Surveys of K-12 Online Learning Activity
United States
- Keeping Pace with K-12 Digital Learning
Canada
- State of the Nation: K-12 Online Learning in Canada
International
- Transnational Appraisal of Virtual School and College Provision (VISCED)
- International Association for K-12 Online Learning
----2006 & 2011 International Survey Reports
Bacsich, P., Pepler, G., Phillips, B., Öström, M., & Reynolds, S. (2012). VISCED handbook – Volume 1 – Virtual schools and colleges – Providing alternatives for successful learning. Roosbeek, Belgium: ATiT bvba.
Retrieved from http://www.virtualschoolsandcolleges.info/sites/default/files/VISCED_Handbook-Volume-1.pdf
Bacsich, P. Bristow, S. F., Camilleri, A., de Beeck, I. O., Pepler, G., & Phillips, B. (2012). VISCED handbook – Volume 2 – Virtual schools and colleges – Providing alternatives for successful learning. Roosbeek, Belgium:
ATiT bvba. Retrieved from
http://www.virtualschoolsandcolleges.info/sites/default/files/VISCED_Handbook-Volume-2/index.pdf
Barbour, M. K. (2014). A history of international K-12 online and blended instruction . In R. Ferdig & K. Kennedy (Eds)., Handbook of Research on K-12 Online and Blended Learning (pp. 25-50). Pittsburgh, PA: Entertainment Technology Center Press, Carnegie Mellon University. Retrieved from http://press.etc.cmu.edu/files/Handbook-Blended-Learning_Ferdig-Kennedy-etal_web.pdf
Barbour, M. K., Hasler Waters, L., & Hunt, J. (2011). Online and blended learning: Case studies from K-12 schools around the world. Vienna, VA: International Association for K-12 On-line Learning.
Barbour, M. K., & Kennedy, K. (2014). K–12 online learning: A worldwide perspective . In A. Hirumi (Ed.), Grounded designs for online and hybrid learning: Trends and technologies (pp. 53-74). Washington, DC: International Society for Technology in Education.
Barbour, M. K., & Wenmoth, D. (2013). Virtual learning as an impetus for educational change: Charting a way forward for learning in New Zealand. Christchurch, New Zealand: CORE Education. Retrieved from http://www.core-ed.org/sites/core-ed.org/files/VLN_Barbour_Wenmoth-v3a.pdf
Clark, T. (2008). Virtual schooling and basic education. In W. J. Bramble & S. Panda (Eds.), Economics of distance and online learning: Theory, research and practice (pp. 52-71). New York: Routledge.
References
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Barbour, M. (2012b). The landscape of K–12 online learning. In M. G. Moore (Ed.), Handbook of distance education (pp. 574–593). New York: Routledge.
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