Distance Learning in the K-12 Classrooms

Last week, the results came in on a study that themaintain that the lack of face-to-face interaction is a
Sloan Consortium conducted: the study found thatsevere detriment to online learning; this argument is
63% of k-12 schools have one or more studentsbased on the idea that the physical interaction with
enrolled in either a fully online course, or a hybridclassmates is an important part of learning. This
course that combines classroom learning with distanceargument is much more applicable to the k-12
learning.environment because interacting with classmates and
In addition to announcing the increased percentage ofpeers is much more important to the k-12 age students
distance learners, the Sloan Consortium also reportedthan college students.
that, out of the districts surveyed, they expect that theThe fact distance learning is a critical supplement to
K-12 enrollments in online schools will increase bythe traditional learning environment: by providing
approximately 23% over the next 2 years.students with more access and more choices, these
Although there are many different opinions regardingschools can provide more of an academic service to
distance learning, the primary argument for distancetheir communities, without having to hire teachers.
learning is that it provides access to course content; byWe have yet to see anyone claiming that distance
providing remote access to course content, distanceeducation will replace some online k-12 classrooms
learning classrooms enable individuals to enjoy learningcompletely as it has in higher education: for now, it
opportunities that they may not have had otherwise.seems that k-12 distance learning will remain a
The primary argument against distance learning is thatsupplement, rather than a replacement.
the quality of the education is not as high. Some critics