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Web-based Learning: The K-12 Online Learning Landscape
One large mis-perception held by many is that Web-based learning is only for adults. It is true that much of the focus in Distance Learning has been directed toward institutions of higher education, but K-12 schools have made great inroads in the past decade in offering their students Web-based learning courses.
The Emergence of Web-based learning
In the 1990's, Web-based learning emerged mostly in higher education to allow schools to deliver courses to non-traditional students and it has continued to grow. From the years 2003 to 2004, there was nearly a 23% increase in the number of students who were taking web-based courses in colleges and universities around the United States. The numbers are somewhat staggering as over 2 millions college students took a Web-based learning course in 2004.
In 2005, 63 percent K12 institutions reported that they had students enrolled in fully online or blended courses. 58 percent also reported that they had students enrolled in fully online courses while only 32 percent said they had students in a blended course. In terms of student numbers it is estimated that over 700,000 students are involved in Web-based learning courses.
Perceptions of the Importance of Web-based learning in K-12
District administrators saw the primary reason for offering Web-based learning courses in their schools was to bring in a course not offered at their school. These administrators also reported other motivating factors to using Web-based learning in their school districts including meeting the needs of specific students, offering advanced placement courses, and reducing scheduling conflicts for students.
Tips for Successful Inclusion of Web-based learning Courses
Administrators and teachers in schools that implemented access to Web-based learning courses learned some lessons. They cited that students taking Web-based learning courses needed more discipline to succeed in these type courses. They also acknowledged that web-based courses were important ways to fulfill the educational needs of their students. Lastly they strongly suggested that schools getting involved in allowing their students to take Web-based learning courses keep track of students taking these courses and maintain accurate and up-to-date records of these activities.
The Future of Web-based learning in K-12
Schools with students involved in Web-based learning also stated that they expected that their online enrollments would increase. Districts predicted that students taking Web-based learning courses were expected to grow by 18 percent. They also predicted that blended learning courses would grow by nearly 23 percent.
When looking back at the historical landscape of education Web-based learning is still relative new but it's obvious that efforts in this area are growing. All data seems to show that Web-based learning will continue to have sustained growth and school districts are advised to embrace it and learn how it can best address the educational needs of their students.
Article Source: MxGet Article Directory
Author's Bio
Susan Bond is a part of IQ-ity.com - provider of a top-rated Learning Management System for schools seeking to teach courses online. IQity's LMS includes an online study guide for the Ohio Graduation Test (OGT). Ohio teachers can add a product review of OGT practice tools and help other teachers.
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