ERIC Number: ED558147
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 178
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Keeping Pace with K-12 Digital Learning: An Annual Review of Policy and Practice. Eleventh Edition
Watson, John; Pape, Larry; Murin, Amy; Gemin, Butch; Vashaw, Lauren
Evergreen Education Group
"Keeping Pace with K-12 Digital Learning" (2014) is the 11th in a series of annual reports that began in 2004 that examine the status of K-12 online education across the country. The report provides an overview of the latest policies, practices, and trends affecting online learning programs across all 50 states. It summarizes that at a very high level the following two points, which may appear contradictory at first glance, describe the current state of digital learning in K-12 education: (1) More students have access to more types of digital learning than ever before. Digital learning options are available to many students in a rapidly expanding range of forms, including online courses from multiple sources, dedicated schools built around aggressive digital instruction models, and many digital learning opportunities in traditional school settings; and (2) Wide gaps remain in the availability of digital learning. There are still vast differences among schools in the availability of technology, data communications capabilities, and digital content and tools. In addition, limitations placed on schools and students vary by local and state policies, and in decisions made by districts. Online schools and courses are meeting needs for students in those cases where students do not have access to adequate physical school and course options. However, meaningful information and evidence are lacking for most digital learning activity. Plenty of examples show that digital content and tools can assist in boosting outcomes, but the broad base of digital learning usage and effectiveness is unstudied. The 11 years of "Keeping Pace" have chronicled the remarkable growth of online learning. But that is only a small part of the full digital learning field, all of which, in many ways, is still in a nascent stage. Appended are: (1) Methodology; and (2) Definitions. [Research and writing assistance for this report was provided by Sara Frank Bristow and Stacy Hawthorne. A list of sponsors of "Keeping Pace with K-12 Digital Learning 2014" can be found on page 2 of the attached document.]
Descriptors: Educational Policy, Electronic Learning, Elementary Secondary Education, Profiles, State Policy, Blended Learning, Educational Finance, Online Courses, Accountability, State Legislation, Educational Legislation, Charter Schools, School Districts, Student Characteristics, Academic Achievement, Access to Education, Access to Computers, Asynchronous Communication, Synchronous Communication, Computer Assisted Instruction, Distance Education, Dual Enrollment, Educational Practices, Educational Resources, Educational Technology, Public Schools, Private Schools
Evergreen Education Group. 700 Main Avenue Suite E, Durango, CO 81301. Tel: 970-375-3276; Web site: http://evergreenedgroup.com
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Evergreen Education Group
Identifiers - Location: United States
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
IES Cited: ED559978; ED561235; ED565838