Distance Learning | News

New Survey Highlights Best Practices For Online Learning Programs

• By Kanoe Namahoe
• 12/13/12

Progress monitoring tools, teacher availability and training, and challenging curriculum are critical elements of a successful distance learning program, according to a new survey, Best Practices for Implementing Online Learning in K-12 Districts, released this week by K12, a provider of online education programs for K-12 students.

More than 220 superintendents, curriculum directors, principals, and special education directors participated in the survey, which was conducted by MDR's EdNet Insight. All respondents have experience implementing online programs, including full-time online, online classes, and credit recovery.

Survey participants identified four key factors as "extremely important" in building a successful K-12 online education program:

• Reporting and progress monitoring tools that enable teachers to assess student comprehension and identify those that need additional help;
• Teacher who are readily available to assist struggling students;
• Educators specially trained to teach in an online environment;
• Rigorous curriculum, designed to accommodate different learning styles, that keeps students focused and engaged.

The survey report also provides insight on best implementation practices by program type, number of schools developing curricula in-house versus those collaborating with partners, and how districts view the costs of online learning in comparison to traditional instruction.

Users may register to receive a copy of the survey report at K12's Web site.