Some of it was in K-12 settings, but most of the comparative studies were done in colleges and adult continuing-education programs of various kinds, from medical training to the military.
I think that this fact is VERY important if one is going to draw a conclusion for K12, dont you?
“The study’s major significance lies in demonstrating that online learning today is not just better than nothing — it actually tends to be better than conventional instruction,”
I would agree, as long as we're talking about colleges and adult learners, but I don't think we can naturally draw the same conclusion for k12 where the learners are less intrinsically motivated.
But the report does suggest that online education could be set to expand sharply over the next few years, as evidence mounts of its value.
The real promise of online education, experts say, is providing learning experiences that are more tailored to individual students than is possible in classrooms. That enables more “learning by doing,” which many students find more engaging and useful.
Yes, if there's enough time to 'cover' all the material that you must, in order to be ready for the PSSA tests.
“People are correct when they say online education will take things out the classroom. But they are wrong, I think, when they assume it will make learning an independent, personal activity. Learning has to occur in a community.
Really? Well, if that's true, THEN can we get the social learning tools like Diigo, unblocked in school? Or, must schools ignore the evidence and continue plodding along in isolation?
Learning has to occur in a community, eh? If that's true, THEN can we get twitter, skype, Flickr, youtube, Diigo, etc unblocked so we can take advantage of that community?