The resources on this page will direct you to reports and articles about a variety of topics related to online learning. From guidelines for quality courses to information on using online learning for credit recovery and at risk students, the information found on these sites will help you gain a deeper understanding of the value of online learning.

Online learning has continuously grown in popularity since it began.  Much research has been done about online learning and the results have been very favorable.  Yet, there are still people who believe that online learning is less effective and rigorous than traditioinal face to face instruction. 

Explore the Top Ten Myths About Virtual Schools (pdf) from the North American Council for Online Learning (NACOL). The article discusses the current myths about online schools. NACOL also published Fast Facts About Online Learning (pdf) in May 2008, which provides research, trends, and statistics that support the expanding options for online learning.

Watch the video Virtual Schools on the Rise from WebProNews on You Tube.

Articles about online learning:

• Do Online Courses Work for Middle Grades and High School Students? Online Students Have Their Say
  Southern Regional Education Board, December 2008
  Reports the results of a 2000 student survey at the end of the 2007-2008 school year. Good information for parents, administrators, and students alike.
• Connecting Students to Advanced Courses Online
  US Department of Education, December 2007
  Connecting Students to Advanced Courses Online highlights six providers of academic coursework by delivering advanced online courses to students through technology. The primary audience is district and school decision-makers who are looking for ways to give their students greater access to advanced course work and see online courses as an enticing option.
• Sorting Through Online Learning Options: A Guide for Parents
  North American Council for Online Learning, July 2008
  A guide for students, parents, and educators helps them sort through the myriad of online learning options available.
• Online Learning for High School Success
  A collection of stories from eSchool News archives along with some additional resources about online credit recovery programs, virtual learning, and technology use to help keep students on track for graduation.
• Sloan Consortium Survey Reports
  The Sloan Consortium
  The consortium is a collaboration of institutions and organizations committed to quality online education.
• K-12 Online Learning: A Survey of US School District Administrators
  This study was based on a national survey of American school district chief administrators during the 2005-2006 academic year. It is one of the first studies to collect data on and compare fully online and blended learning (part online and part traditional face-to-face instruction) in K-12 schools.
• Using Online Learning for At Risk Students and Credit Recovery
  North American Council for Online Learning, July 2008
  Part of a series of Promising Practices for using online learning programs in schools.
• Guide to Teaching Online Courses
  National Education Association, November 2006
  A guide for policymakers, administrators, educators, and others engaged in selecting, hiring, and training teachers that will provide quality instruction online. 
• Report on State Virtual Schools
  Southern Regional Education Board, August 2008
  Report on the virtual schools in the SREB states.
• Keeping Pace with K-12 Online Learning: A Review of State Level Policy and Practice
  November 2007
  Online Education policy information.
• A National Primer on K-12 Online Learning
  April 2007
  Information on the nature of online learning in the K-12 setting.
• The School Administrator
  American Association of School Administrators
  The April 2004 issue was all about making virtual decisions and online learning.
• Seven Principles of Effective Teaching: A Practical Lens for Evaluating Online Courses
  The Technology Source, April 2001
• Virtual Schools and E-Learning in K-12 Environments: Emerging Policy and Practice
  North Central Regional Educational Laboratory, April 2002