scholarly journals Misbehaving Toddler or Moody Teenager: Examining the Maturity of the Field of K-12 Online Learning

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (64) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Barbour
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Student Experience ◽  
Instructional Model ◽  
Learning Programs ◽  
Learning Research ◽  
K 12 ◽  
Future Practice

Depending on the reference, the practice of K-12 online learning began sometime between 1991 and 1996. Yet two and a half to three decades later, there is still little research to describe the K-12 online or blended learning student experience, which has resulted in a lack of understanding of the actual instructional model, nature of the curriculum, and type and amount of support employed by K-12 distance, online, and blended learning programs. Further, much of the available research is atheoretical, methodologically questionable, contextually limited, and overgeneralized. All these factors make the K-12 distance, online, and blended learning research that does exist of little value in guiding practice. This manuscript examines the maturity of research in the field of K-12 distance, online, and blended learning, with the goal of providing researchers with meaningful impact on future practice.

scholarly journals Interview with Joe Freidhoff: A Bird's Eye View of K-12 Online Learning

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leslie Pourreau
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Executive Director ◽  
Virtual Learning ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Future Needs ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Learning Journal ◽  
Learning Research ◽  
K 12 ◽  
Research Institute

This article showcases an interview conducted with Dr. Joe Freidhoff, Executive Director of the Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute, specifically for this special issue of the OLC Online Learning Journal. The perspectives provided by Dr. Freidhoff on the ever-changing field of K-12 online learning served two purposes: to introduce long-time profession-based journal readership to the field of K-12 online learning and to provide K-12 online learning scholars with perspective and direction for meeting the current and future needs of K-12 stakeholders.

scholarly journals Accountability for Students in K-12 Online Learning: Perspectives from Michigan Stakeholders and Beyond

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leanna Archambault ◽  
Kathryn Kennedy ◽  
Joe Freidhoff
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Research Policy ◽  
Online Course ◽  
State School ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Virtual University ◽  
National Organizations ◽  
Learning Research ◽  
K 12

Policy surrounding K-12 online learning continues to evolve as the field grows exponentially. In Michigan, Section 21f of the State School Aid Act enacted in 2013 strengthened parents’ and students’ ability to request online courses: “A student enrolled in a district in any of grades 6 to 12 is eligible to enroll in an online course as provided for in this section.” The passing of 21f raised concerns around accountability in a choice environment. Examples of such concerns included a pervasive belief about the lack of rigor or quality in online courses, an aversion to another district educating a student for one or two courses yet remaining responsible for that student’s growth, and uncertainty about how mentors and teachers would be evaluated on their online students. Consequently, a legislative directive was issued to the Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute, the research arm of Michigan Virtual University that centered on accountability. In response to that directive, Michigan stakeholders, as well as experts from other course access states and national organizations, were interviewed to better understand the conversations surrounding accountability in K-12 online learning in Michigan and beyond and to make key recommendations for moving the field forward in an informed way. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Implications for research, policy, and practice are shared.

Blended Learning Research in Higher Education and K-12 Settings

2017 ◽  
pp. 1-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa R. Halverson ◽  
Kristian J. Spring ◽  
Sabrina Huyett ◽  
Curtis R. Henrie ◽  
Charles R. Graham
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Learning Research ◽  
K 12

scholarly journals Online Teacher Work to Support Self-Regulation of Learning in Students with Disabilities at a Fully Online State Virtual School

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Frances Rice ◽  
Richard Allen Carter, Jr.
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Students With Disabilities ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Virtual School ◽  
Online Teachers ◽  
Learning Programs ◽  
Teacher Work ◽  
Regulation Strategies ◽  
K 12 ◽  
Do So

Students with disabilities represent a growing number of learners receiving education in K-12 fully online learning programs. They are, unfortunately, also a large segment of the online learning population who are not experiencing success in these environments. In response, scholars have recommended increasing instruction in self-regulation skills for these students, but whether teachers are able to promote self-regulation as part of their instruction and how they will do so remains unknown. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine how practicing teachers provided self-regulation strategies to students with disabilities in a fully online learning environment. In this context, the teachers intended to offer self-regulation strategies to students, but they were largely unable to do so. This work has the potential to influence professional development programs for online teachers in the hopes that students with disabilities will be able to learn self-regulation strategies and ultimately be more successful.

The Forgotten Teachers in K-12 Online Learning

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 18-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Kristopher Barbour ◽  
David Adelstein ◽  
Jonathan Morrison
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Virtual High School ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Course Content ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Learning Programs ◽  
K 12

Like many K-12 online learning programs, the Illinois Virtual High School (IVHS) began by utilizing vendor content to populate its online courses. In its fourth year, the IVHS began a concerted effort to design more of its own online course content internals. The aim of this study was to examine the nature of the support needed and application of tools used by IVHS course developers. The data consisted of a two-part, web-based survey and telephone interviews that were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inductive analysis. The results showed these developers had a strong desire to use interactive elements in their course as well as working in cooperative teams. Further, developers were opposed to using a forced template, but indicated a need for general structural guidance and additional professional development. Finally, developers recommended that subject matter teacher-developers and multimedia specialists be split into two separate roles, and these individuals work together as a part of a design team. Further research should be conducted on the intended use of technology tools requested.

Trends of Blended Learning in K-12 Schools

2018 ◽  
pp. 43-61
Author(s):  
Alex Kumi-Yeboah ◽  
Patriann Smith
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
International Association ◽  
Natural Extension ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cd Rom ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
School Year ◽  
Training Film ◽  
K 12

Blended learning is a well-known and successful instructional model used in higher education and K-12 schools (International Association for K-12 Online Learning, 2012; Watson, 2012). It is estimated that about 37 percent of school districts in the United States had students enrolled in technology-supported distance education courses during the 2004/2005 school year (Zandberg & Lewis, 2008). An increased student population, coupled with the need to reduce educational costs, has led to a high demand for virtual instruction (Watson, 2010). Blended learning is a hybrid of traditional face-to-face and online learning in which instruction occurs through both classroom and online formats, with the online component being a natural extension of traditional classroom learning (Colis & Moonen, 2001). As such, the process may involve a combination of instructional technology formats (e.g., videotape, CD-ROM, Web-based training, film) and face-to-face instructor-led instruction (Driscoll, 2002). Despite its hybrid nature and the potential it holds for transforming classroom instruction, to date, little research exists that examines trends in blended learning and the challenges and possibilities of utilizing this method of instructional delivery at the K-12 level. Further, even less is known about best practices in K-12 blended learning and instruction (Ferdig et al., 2009). Given these considerations, in this chapter, the authors first explore trends in blended learning in K-12 schools. Subsequently, they examine the benefits and challenges of K-12 blended learning. In the final phases of the chapter, the authors highlight possible solutions to the challenges, discuss recommendation, and identify directions for future research.

Online Learning in Illinois High Schools

2015 ◽  
pp. 150-166
Author(s):  
Anthony G. Picciano ◽  
Jeff Seaman ◽  
Scott L. Day
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
High Schools ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
High School Principals ◽  
School Principals ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Credit Recovery ◽  
Differentiating Instruction ◽  
Learning Programs

The purpose of this chapter is to examine the role that online learning plays in addressing the thoughts, concerns, and issues facing Illinois high school principals. Data were collected from a sample of high school principals who were members of the Illinois Principals Association with respect to the extent, nature, and reasons for participating in online learning programs. An important aspect of this study was to compare the findings in Illinois to those collected from a national sample of high school principals. It concludes that online learning and blended learning are making inroads into the high schools in Illinois comparably to those in other parts of the country. The results of this study indicate that online and blended learning are becoming integral to a number of high school reform efforts, especially with regard to improving graduation rates, credit recovery, building connections for students to their future college careers, and differentiating instruction.

scholarly journals Introducing the Social Presence Model to Explore Online and Blended Learning Experiences

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aimee L. Whiteside
Keyword(s):  
Blended Learning ◽  
Social Presence ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Development Theory ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Coding Scheme ◽  
Multiple Data ◽  
The Social ◽  
Learning Programs ◽  
K 12

This study explores the level of social presence or connectedness, in two iterations of a 13-month, graduate-level certificate program designed to help K-12 school leaders integrate technology in their districts. Vygotsky’s Social Development Theory serves as the theoretical lens for this programmatic research. The methods include a case study approach for coding discussions for 16 online courses using the pre-established Social Presence coding scheme as well as conducting instructor and student interviews and collecting observation notes on over a dozen face-to-face courses. The results of this study suggest the need for further research and development on the Social Presence coding scheme. Additionally, this study unveiled the Social Presence Model, a working model that suggests social presence consists of the following five integrated elements: Affective Association, Community Cohesion, Instructor Involvement, Interaction Intensity, and Knowledge and Experience. Finally, this study also highlighted the importance of multiple data sources for researchers, the need for researchers to request access to participant data outside the formal learning environment, and the inherently unique challenges instructors face with multimodal literacy and social presence in blended learning programs.

Trends of Blended Learning in K-12 Schools

2014 ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Kumi-Yeboah ◽  
Patriann Smith
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
International Association ◽  
Natural Extension ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cd Rom ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
School Year ◽  
Training Film ◽  
K 12

Blended learning is a well-known and successful instructional model used in higher education and K-12 schools (International Association for K-12 Online Learning, 2012; Watson, 2012). It is estimated that about 37 percent of school districts in the United States had students enrolled in technology-supported distance education courses during the 2004/2005 school year (Zandberg & Lewis, 2008). An increased student population, coupled with the need to reduce educational costs, has led to a high demand for virtual instruction (Watson, 2010). One strongly supported method is blended learning (Watson, 2010). Blended learning is a hybrid of traditional face-to-face and online learning in which instruction occurs through both classroom and online formats, with the online component being a natural extension of traditional classroom learning (Colis & Moonen, 2001). As such, the process may involve a combination of instructional technology formats (e.g., videotape, CD-ROM, Web-based training, film) and face-to-face instructor-led instruction (Driscoll, 2002). Despite its hybrid nature and the potential it holds for transforming classroom instruction, to date, little research exists that examines trends in blended learning and the challenges and possibilities of utilizing this method of instructional delivery at the K-12 level. Further, even less is known about best practices in K-12 blended learning and instruction (Ferdig, et al., 2009). Given these considerations, in this chapter, the authors first explore trends in blended learning in K-12 schools. Subsequently, they examine the benefits and challenges of K-12 blended learning. In the final phases of the chapter, the authors highlight possible solutions to the challenges, discuss recommendation, and identify directions for future research.

Still Forgotten Teachers in K-12 Online Learning

2018 ◽  
pp. 88-107
Author(s):  
Michael K. Barbour ◽  
David Adelstein ◽  
Jonathan Morrison
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Virtual High School ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Course Content ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Learning Programs ◽  
K 12 ◽  
Intended Use

Like many K-12 online learning programs, the Illinois Virtual High School (IVHS) began by utilizing vendor content to populate its online courses. In its fourth year, the IVHS began a concerted effort to design more of its own online course content internally. The aim of this chapter was to examine the support needed and application of tools used by IVHS course developers. The data consisted of a two-part, web-based survey and telephone interviews that were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inductive analysis. The results showed these developers had a strong desire to use interactive elements in their course as well as working in cooperative teams. Further, developers were opposed to using a forced template, but indicated a need for general structural guidance and additional professional development. Finally, developers recommended that subject matter teacher-developers and multimedia specialists be split into two separate roles, and these individuals work together as a part of a team. Further research should be conducted on the intended use of technology tools requested.

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