A “Not-So-New” Imperative:
The Urgency to Adopt Online Learning Options
Christopher Harrington, Ed.D.
Director of Bridges Virtual Education Services
why are we here today?
state virtual schools or initiatives have developed in 40 states.
course enrollments in SY 2010-11
annual increase
Watson, J., Murin, A., Vashaw, L., Gemin, B., & Rapp, C. (2011). Keeping pace with K12 online learning: An annual review of
policy and practice. Evergreen, CO: Evergreen Education Group.
full-time multi-district online schools continue to grow.
states…
students in SY 2010-11
annual increase
Watson, J., Murin, A., Vashaw, L., Gemin, B., & Rapp, C. (2011). Keeping pace with K12 online learning: An annual review of
policy and practice. Evergreen, CO: Evergreen Education Group.
single district programs are the fastest
growing segment of online and blended learning.
Watson, J., Murin, A., Vashaw, L., Gemin, B., & Rapp, C. (2011). Keeping pace with K12 online learning: An annual review of
policy and practice. Evergreen, CO: Evergreen Education Group.
implications for commercial content providers?
Watson, J., Murin, A., Vashaw, L., Gemin, B., & Rapp, C. (2011). Keeping pace with K12 online learning: An annual review of
policy and practice. Evergreen, CO: Evergreen Education Group.
27,779
30,000
25,000
24,603
2008-09
2009-10
19,769
20,000
15,000
10,000
22,398
12,603
15,885
2005-06
2006-07
9,175
5,000
0
2004-05
2007-08
Pennsylvania Department of Education. (2012). Public school enrollment reports. Retrieved from
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/enrollment/7407/public_school_enrollment_reports/620541
2010-11
Who is driving this shift?
They know that they need a solution!
• Purchasing content and instructional services from
3rd party providers
• Purchasing content only from 3rd party providers – taught by
own teachers
• Developing own content – taught by own teachers
• Combination of the above
Strategic
Planning
Support
Structures
Marketing &
Promotion
Learning
Management
System
Program
Evaluation
strategic planning:
• school board and community support
• growth and sustainability
• professional development
• academic and administrative supports
• program evaluation
Strategic
Planning
support structures:
• attendance
• professional development
• counselor procedures
• progress monitoring
• special education
• technology policies
Support
Structures
learning management system:
• system evaluation and selection
• implementation management
• professional development
• course design support
Learning
Management
System
marketing and promotion:
• outreach strategy aligned to
growth and sustainability strategy
• development of outreach materials
• outreach program evaluation
Marketing &
Promotion
program evaluation:
• data collection and analysis
• cost/benefit analysis
• retooling for subsequent years
Program
Evaluation
Where are you
in this process?
Start the conversation in your school.
Find your “champion”…it won’t happen by itself.
Do your homework…research!
Learn what works, and what doesn’t work.
Seek others who have traveled the road before you.
Learn from the successes and mistakes of others.
…learning and growing together
A “Not-So-New” Imperative:
The Urgency to Adopt Online Learning Options
Christopher Harrington, Ed.D.
Director of Bridges Virtual Education Services
charrington@bridgesvirtual.org
(267) 718-2202