Online Instruction and Virtual Schools for Middle and High School Students: Twenty-First-Century Fads or Progressive Teaching Methods for Today's Pupils?

Abstract

Online education in K–12 settings has increased considerably in recent years, but there is little research supporting its use at this level. Online courses help students learn at their own pace, select different locations to do their work, and choose flexible times to complete assignments. However, some students learn best in a face-to-face environment. This article discusses the existing research on online education at the K–12 level and offers a few strategies to improve existing programs and to help parents select good virtual schools for their children.

Keywords:

• technology
• online instruction
• computers