Research into K-12 Online Learning Summary

Research into K-12 Online Learning Summary Week 2 Part 1 

     After reviewing the information for this week in the MOOC, it appears that we have to know and understand what we are looking for in the research.  We must know what questions to ask.  When we look at online learning, we question whether it works for all people all of the time.  Perhaps, it works some of the time for some of the people.  Do we really know?   When does it work?  Why does it work for some and not for others?  Ferdig mentioned the conditions for online learning.  Are they important?  Can we control them?
     As I see it, we need much more funding for additional research to determine further answers.  In the meantime, we must use the data that we have and not compare online learning to face-to-face as the article states.  Teachers must learn to teach in an online situation.  It requires different skills than a traditional classroom.  Teachers play a huge part in the success of an online learner.  Additionally, technology is a key component in online learning .  There are also many critics of online learning.  Some of them question the social connections of online students.  Others question the quality of the program.  Overall, we have much to learn about the impact of online learning.

Ferdig, R. (2012). Research into K-12 online learning. Retrieved from
        http://virtualschoolmooc.wikispaces.com/research