Experts were asked to rank categories in order of importance for K-12 online learning for policy, practice, and research for the next 5 years in three different surveys. Each time they ranked the categories in the same order for the most part, although there are a couple of exceptions. The order is as follows:
1. Evaluation of course design and delivery
2. Best practice
3. Accountability
4. Access
5. Online learning/learners
6. Professional development
7. Accreditation/standards
8. Funding
9. Technology
Research has found that evaluation of course design and delivery is the first priority in the future of K-12 online learning. Program evaluations are important tools to use to measure how effective a program is for students. Best practice is ranked second. Researchers have found it is very difficult to measure student outcomes since there are so many variables that are hard to control, such as student motivation and communication between teacher and student. Accountability was ranked second in one survey, but third in the other two surveys. Experts feel that requirements for online education should match requirements for brick and mortar schools. This topic was not rated the highest priority, but remains somewhat important. Access to distance education is ranked rather high of importance. Online learning offers alternatives to those struggling in the classroom. On the other hand, special needs children have additional challenges that may hinder learning. More research is needed in this area to determine how online learning benefits these children. The importance of meeting the needs of learners online was ranked fairly high. It is agreed that in addition to making students successful, a rigorous curriculum is also important. Professional development ranked low on the scale. However, professional development was ranked a priority within the funding category. Where funding is concerned, experts realize the importance of training teachers for online learning. Standards were not as important because experts stated that they feel standards are not set as high as they would like to see them. Funding is also ranked low. However, the panelists see that funding could become a higher priority as more students enter the growing field of online learning. Technology is ranked lowest on the priority scale because experts agree that parents should be monitoring their child on the computer.
Online learning will have a large effect on traditional classroom learning. Distance education is growing at a fast pace and it is important to do further research to best meet the needs of students online. The findings from this study will provide a guide for research in the field of distance learning. Programs must be evaluated to see how effective they are for students. Students must be supported for success and further research can help to support them.
Before reading about this study, I knew that more research was needed on K-12 distance education, but I did not know what topics needed to be looked at first. After reading the article, I realize that program evaluation is where we need most information. This seems logical since we need to make sure the programs are meeting the needs of students. I also see the difficulty in conducting research on student performance because there are so many variables that could effect the research, such as student motivation. Through the MOOC I've learned that online learning can work, but there are certain circimstances under which students are successful. Students do have to be self motivated and disciplined to get the work done. I like what the MOOC also taught me about facilitators. Good facilitators can be a great support system for students and can make the difference of whether a student is successful or not.
References
Rice, K. (2009) Priorities in K-12 Distance Education: A Delphi Study Examining Multiple Perspectives on Policy, Practice, and Research. Educational Technology & Society,12(3), 163-177.
