History of K-12 Online Learning Summary

     I had no idea that distance learning had been around for so long until I read the article the History of K-12 Online Learning by Tom Clark.  I do remember my mother mentioning taking a correspondence course in the mid 1960s.  The school mailed her assignments to her via snail mail, and she mailed her coursework back when it was complete.  The idea of distance education was the same as today, but the means of delivery was much different.  K-12 online learning has progressed throughout the years from delivery with the postal service as mentioned above to online learning via the computer.  Along the way film, radio, educational television, telephone networks, videoconferencing, broadcast networks, and satellite were all introduced.  All of these progressions have made online learning instantaneous from assignment being given and assessments being turned in.

     When I was in high school, students had the option of choosing Independent Study as a class.  It is still in existence at my daughter’s school today but is now called Directed Studies.  Many of these classes are in the realm of K-12 online learning, because the subject/topic/curriculum area is not taught in the brick and mortar school building. 

     Clark mentions some issues associated with the progression of distance education in the History of K-12 Online Learning article.  They include equitable access of opportunity, support and funding, concern of student outcomes and academic effectiveness (directly related to the blogging activity post), public attitude, and the lack of research.  Distance education continues to grow as new technologies become available, and these issues continue to require a rationale or purpose for distance learning.   Because of technology, it is much easier to participate in distance education today than in years past, but everyone is still not on board.  It is so important that we review and understand the history of K-12 online learning and its progression through the decades.  It makes me think.  Just what will distance learning in K-12 look like in the future?  It is intriguing.

Clark, T. (2012). History of K-12 Online Learning. Retrieved from

          http://virtualschoolmooc.wikispaces.com/history