Online Learning Trends 2009-10

A few interesting statistics from this year’s U.S. Department of Education Survey of K12 Distance Learning:

• 55% of public school districts reported having students enrolled in distance education courses in 2009–10.  Up from 32% in 2002-03.

• The bigger jump though was in enrollments.  Districts reported an estimated 1,816,400 enrollments in distance education courses for 2009–10.  Up from 328,000 in 2002-03.

• 74% of the distance education enrollments were in high schools, 9% were in middle or junior high schools, and 4%in elementary schools.

• 55% of districts reported that a postsecondary institution delivered distance education courses to their students.

• 75% percent of districts reported that all distance education courses were developed by entities other than their district.

• Key drivers for offering distance learning:  63% providing courses not otherwise available; 57% credit recovery.   

• 74% of students enrolled in distance education accessed the courses at home.  Even low income students – 73%

The big takewaways for me:

• Trending Up:  All the stats across the board suggest online learning is trending upward, no matter how you look at it.  Low-income schools, low-income families are adopting this learning style at a fast pace. 

• Enrollments Are Huge:  Almost as many students are enrolled in distance education as students enrolled in public schools in Pennsylvania.  

• Expansion is Key Driver:  Schools are adopting distance education primarily to expand course offerings and credit recovery programs. That is important because it suggests the key drivers are "adding on" to the existing school model rather than completely changing it.  IES should add some questions to next year's survey tracking blended learning to help us get a better sense of how classes are changing. 

Full report here.