Online learning has far-reaching benefits in K-12 education. Recently TMCnet reported that online learning could improve teens with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or "ADHD"

 

A new survey report from Project Tomorrow, an educational nonprofit organization, and Blackboard, a provider of enterprise technology and innovative solutions, finds the number of high school students who are taking online classes has nearly doubled since last year.

 

However, the survey finds, demand continues to outpace the opportunities currently available in K-12 schools and districts.

 

Online classes allow students to work at their own pace and be in control of the learning process. The survey found that the ability to personalize learning in various ways with online classes was as important or more important reason to take them than to earn college credit, take classes not offered at their school, or better manage their schedules.

 

Twenty-seven percent of high school students and 21 percent of middle school students reported taking an online class for school or personal reasons in 2009. In 2008 it was only 14 percent and 16 percent, respectively.

 

The 2009 Speak Up surveys captured views on online education and 21st century learning from more than 370,000 U.S. K-12 students, parents, educators and college students enrolled in teacher preparation programs.

 

As student interest in online learning continues to grow, so has the number of teachers who have taught online classes. Since 2008, the percent of online learning tutors has tripled, the survey finds.

 

Ten percent of teachers say they are currently tapping into online classes to enhance student achievement, according to the report. About half of pre-service teachers are gaining more experience with online classes and 38 percent online professional learning communities are in their teacher preparation programs.

 

According to the survey, 25 percent of high school students that have not taken an online course said that classes were not offered at their school or they did not know what classes are offered. Sixteen percent said they could not afford to take an online class.

 

Institutional barriers are also preventing wider access, according to the report, with 40 percent of district administrators and 35 percent of principals reporting that their ability to offer classes online is stymied by limited state funding.

 

Also, 30 percent of administrators said that their teachers were not comfortable teaching online while 26 percent doubted their teachers' ability to effectively use tools for online classes.

 

Learning in the 21st Century: 2010 Trends Update was released at the International Society for Technology in Education Conference in Denver. The report is available online at www.blackboard.com/k12/education21c.