A Message from Gina Burkhardt, NCREL Executive Director
Welcome to the April 2002 edition of Policy Issues—a research-based analysis of education issues. This edition takes a look at online learning and virtual schools. It also presents the policy and practice implications that can enhance the potential of electronically delivered learning, or e-learning, as a viable and effective educational approach.
E-learning is a powerful instructional strategy because it transcends the boundaries of traditional classroom instruction. In fact, it creates virtual schools that allow learning to occur at the student's initiative—any time, any place. E-learning also holds promise for promoting equity by providing students with access to courses that otherwise might not be available, such as accelerated courses in remote rural areas.
Education leaders and policymakers play an important role in guiding the development of e-learning strategies. Their understanding and involvement is crucial for effective implementation of e-learning and virtual schools for K-12 students.
For additional information on e-learning, visit NCREL's E-Learning Knowledge Base Web site.
About this issue | A Message from Gina Burkhardt, NCREL Executive Director | Virtual Schools and E-Learning in K-12 Environments | E-Learning Policy Implications for K-12 Educators and Decision Makers | America's First Public Virtual High School | E-Learning in the Real World | NCREL's Research on Virtual Learning Issues and Priorities | References | NCREL's Online Resource for E-Learning
