Amy Owen is the Senior Director, Digital and Teacher Policy at ExcelinEd.
Education systems have seen unprecedented expansion of technology use over the past three years. It began in 2020 when schools and districts scrambled to implement emergency remote learning in response to the pandemic. On short notice, educators and families made Herculean efforts to provide resources for emergency remote learning and to support students at home. Those efforts included distributing 1:1 devices and coordinating funding to facilitate broadband access for families, in addition to providing online instruction.
While no one wants to return to those days of emergency remote learning, many scenarios of thoughtfully planned virtual learning can greatly benefit students. State policymakers have an opportunity to leverage the silver lining of the pandemic – which is increased access to broadband and educational devices – to establish policies and practices that provide effective, sustainable virtual learning options for all students.
Virtual learning and virtual education mean that technology is the method used to deliver instruction, which can be independent or teacher-led, or both. Virtual education that is intentional and student-centered offers numerous benefits, including:
Students’ individual needs should be at the center of all decisions about virtual learning. A 2022 report from Edmentum and Whiteboard Advisors termed this approach A Human-Centered Vision for Quality Virtual Learning. The report emphasizes the role of people, good instruction and a culture of accountability in establishing effective virtual learning programs.
To establish a clear vision for virtual learning and ensure key stakeholders are on the same page, state policymakers can engage in collaborative conversations with educators, families and other constituents affected by and interested in virtual learning.
For students to be successful with virtual learning, they must have consistent, reliable access to digital devices and home broadband. Unfortunately, those students who might benefit most from expanded access to virtual learning are often the least likely to have these resources available. There are multiple approaches and funding streams state policymakers can use to close this gap and increase students’ ability to benefit from virtual learning.
All teachers should receive both pre-service and in-service training on methods of integrating technology into their classroom instruction. Teachers who teach in a hybrid or virtual classroom require additional training on effective strategies in that environment.
In addition, states may need to adopt different approaches to approving digital-first instructional materials—as opposed to traditional textbook adoption procedures—to avoid unintentional barriers to innovation.
Virtual learning provides students with many more opportunities to customize their educational journey. However, it’s worth remembering that just because learning takes place through technology does not mean technology replaces the role educators play. As Edmentum and Whiteboard Advisors identified, virtual learning requires a culture of accountability for student learning among all the adults involved: educators, parents and policymakers.
Implementing effective virtual learning opportunities takes time. Consistent state support through policy and funding is critical to maintaining students’ access to devices and broadband. That support is also needed for ensuring teachers continuously grow in their practice and providing consistent methods of tracking student outcomes.
Overall, virtual learning can be a valuable tool in K-12 education. It can create new possibilities for flexible and personalized learning experiences and increase access to education for students in remote areas. With investments in digital infrastructure and adequate resources and training for teachers, policymakers can ensure that virtual learning offers an effective and accessible option for students. By following these policy considerations, state policymakers can help to ensure that all students have access to the education they need to succeed in the modern world.
Leveraging the Promise of Virtual Learning provides recommendations states can consider to help to ensure that all students have access to the education they need to succeed in the modern world.
