Online, Blended, and Distance Education in Schools

"This book will help practitioners, administrators, researchers, and policy makers to examine effective practice and future policy developments. This book is accompanied by a wiki that would be useful as part of a course of study or for those undertaking research in this area. The wiki includes Chapter 1, abstracts of the other chapters, and links to related literature and other resources. More resources are likely to be added, making this an enormously valuable site for researchers working on K–12 open flexible and distance learning."

Rachel Whalley, VLN Primary School

Journal of Open, Flexible and Distance Learning, New Zealand

"Clark and Barbour understand that they have a tiger by the tail. Like any other mega-technology, virtual teaching and learning has enormous potential for both good and for abuse. They have assembled a distinguished cast of scholars to examine the potential and the perils of K-12 technology-mediated instruction. It is the most thoughtful examination of the issues I have ever read."

Gene V. Glass, Emeritus Regents' Professor, Arizona State University & Research Professor

University of Colorado, Boulder

"This volume represents a timely, practical and scholarly focus on K-12 online, blended and distance learning edited by leading scholars on the topic. Through case studies of actual teachers in actual schools primarily in North America but in other countries as well, the book provides compelling insights into the growth and value of new forms of K-12 learning mediated by information and communication technologies (ICTs). In spite of this growth and value, there is a dearth of literature on these new forms of K-12 learning. As is the case with many educational technology initiatives, our integration of these new forms of learning with ICTs advances at a much faster pace than does our understanding of the effects of that integration. Clark and Barbour’s book helps address this problem by drawing on experts and experienced practitioners to highlight effective practices and instructional design and pedagogical approaches while at the same time raising important issues and questions that need to be addressed. The part 1 emphasis on research, policy and management considerations followed by part 2’s emphasis on actual case studies of implementation reflect the complementarities and complexities of the phenomenon of this form of K-12 learning. In the final section of the book, the editors look back at lessons learned and forward at future directions in order to focus their audience’s attention on key issues of policy and practice. A must-read for all those involved with K-12 learning, this book will no doubt become an essential resource. "

Elizabeth Murphy, internationally recognized researcher on technology-mediated learning, Professor, Faculty of Education

Memorial University of Newfoundland

"If there is one book you should to read that will bring you into the digital present and future, this is the book. Tom Clark and Michael Barbour take you on a journey with global experts that will change the way you think about education, digital technologies, and the teaching and learning professions."

Dr. Don Olcott, Jr., Professor of Leadership and Open and Distance Learning and Co-Director of the uImagine Digital Learning Laboratory at Charles Sturt University in Australia.

"This book is a must read for Ministers of Education, policy advisors, and school leaders seeking transformation in K12 learning. Whether innovating on curriculum, assessment, or mobile technology, embracing new digital pedagogies, or preparing students and teachers with the skills and experiences needed in our global society, this book is something you will keep coming back to again and again.

Online, Blended, and Distance Education brings together leading experts in learning with technology highlighting the depth and breadth of critical questions and conversations every K12 leader should be having today.

Whether you are considering new mobile learning, digital curriculum, and professional development initiatives or preparing students for the new world. I recommend starting with Ferdig, Cavanaugh and Friedhoff chapter, as it helped set my frame of reference by 'Asking the Right Question'.

With supporting global case studies highlighting innovative practices and up-to-the-minute easy to read research, together with the important considerations of scale, sustainability and equity, this book provides the necessary deep thinking needed to begin and evaluate vision, policies and strategies required for holistic change and transformation."

Aidan McCarthy, Global Digital Learning Strategy

Microsoft Corporation

"This book brings together experts in online and blended teaching, learning, policy, and technology and left me excited, inspired, and yearning for more! Anyone interested in ensuring students are prepared for a world that is not yet invented, needs to read this book!"

Michelle Licata, Ed.D. Florida Virtual School Teacher of the Year, 2012 and National Online Teacher of the Year finalist, 2013