www.inacol.org

A Brief Snapshot of K-12 Online Learning

Matthew WicksChief Operating OfficerInternational Association for K-12 Online Learning

International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL)• iNACOL is the premier K-12 nonprofit in online learning

• Provides leadership, advocacy, research, training, and networking with experts in K-12 online learning.– 4200+ members in K-12 virtual schools and online learning representing over 50

countries– Annual conference – Virtual School Symposium (VSS): New Orleans in October

2012• “Ensure every student has access to the best education available regardless of

geography, income or background.” • Next Generation Learning Challenges – Gates Foundation• Our strategic areas of focus in online and blended learning:

1. Policy2. Quality3. New Learning Models

U.S. Online Learning Facts• There were an estimated 1,816,400 enrollments in distance-

education courses in K-12 school districts in 2009-2010, almost all of which were online courses. 74% of these enrollments were in high schools.

• This estimate does not include students enrolled in most full-time online schools which were approximately 200,000 students in 2009-2010 and 250,000 students in 2010-2011

• These figures represent phenomenal growth as a decade ago, it was estimated there were 40,000-50,000 enrollments in K-12 online education

• The top reasons why school districts make online learning opportunities available to their students is to provide courses not otherwise available at their school, and to providing opportunities for students to recover course credits from classes missed or failed.

Increasing Statewide Opportunities

2002 2003 2004 2005 20060

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

30

34 35

39 40

18

21

24

27

30

Number of States with Statewide Online Learning Options

State Virtual Schools / State Led Initiatives Full Time Schools

How Students Learn