K-12 Online Learning in Canada - The 2010 Report

The International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) has recently (November 2010) released its State of the Nation: K-12 Online Learning in Canada report, 2010 edition.

Some key points:

• In most jurisdictions, K-12
  distance education is not viewed as an educational option of choice, only one of necessity
  
• K-12 distance education enrolment in Canada is somewhere between 2.8% and 3.4% of the total K-12 student population
  


• In many instances, the method of distance education delivery is still using print-based materials
  


• In many instances, the method of distance education delivery is still using print-based materials
  

Not exactly the picture we had of online learning in Canada, but it should be emphasized that much of the K-12 distance education in Canada is still treated as substitute "option" for when face-to-face learning is not feasible or economic.

There are some shifts happening, particularly in Alberta where it has started looking at creating an "online and blended learning" educational environment: no longer taking the view of online learning as a "distance education tool" but a foundation which can become the textbook and whiteboard of the near future.

The report provides a national overview, with the Ottawa Carleton e-School being the focus for Ontario.