What It Is

Digital learning, sometimes also called online or virtual learning, includes a variety of different approaches to providing learning experiences to students via a computer and the Internet. According to the Digital Learning Council, “[d]igital learning meets individual student needs and interests with appropriate access to learning technology. Digital learning includes online learning and blends of online and onsite learning as well as a teacher using technology to tailor lessons to the interests of individual students.”

What We Believe

We believe that the world can be a classroom to our nation’s youth, and being exposed to knowledge of people and things outside the brick and mortar that often confine students' learning is essential to our nation’s progress. Thus programs that truly provide online learning opportunities beyond the typical classroom must be a part of the portfolio we pursue under the heading of education reform. We support utilizing all the tools the 21st century has provided us, and thus applaud the growth that virtual schooling that connects students from home, including proven programs via the internet, blended models of learning that meld such experience with the classroom, and many options beyond and in between.

Latest Updates

Fairfax County Looking To Go Virtual

The Virginia county is considering a full-time online school to meet the growing notion that parents should be able to customize their child's education.

Education Innovation Summit 2012

ASU Education Innovation Summit 2012 kicks off at Arizona State University, where innovators, thinkers, and investors gather to explore new technologies for reform.

Blended Learning Models

Find out what blended learning is and get insight into schools effectively employing blended learning, like KIPP Empower Academy, BLAST, and Carpe Diem schools.

Digital Learning for 21st Century Catholic and Private Schools

From kindergarten to high school, technology is transforming private education as we know it. The Mid-Atlantic Catholic Schools Consortium invites you to attend their Digital Learning Conference, designed specifically for educators at Catholic and private schools.

Research Indicates Virtual School Is Working

A recent study by Marty Lueken and Gary Ritter from the University of Arkansas Department of Education Reform has found significant benefits for students attending the Arkansas Virtual Academy (ARVA).

Removing the Barriers: Virtual Schools and State Regulations

Digital learning is becoming increasingly popular across the country. However, some states have implemented regulations that have hindered the movement's progress, barring access to online education for hundreds of thousands of children.

Resources

CER’s Digital Learning Toolkit
A PDF version of our toolkit that arms online learning supporters with The Facts About Digital Learning, fights common myths about online learning, and provides suggestions for Informing Your Community, Communicating with the Media.

iNACOL, The International Association for K-12 Online Learning
A non-profit organization that facilitates collaboration, advocacy, and research to enhance quality K-12 online teaching and learning.
→ Fast Facts About Online Learning
→ A Parent’s Guide to Choosing the Right Online Program

Digital Learning Now!
A national campaign to advance policies that will create a high quality digital learning environment to better prepare students with the knowledge and skills to succeed in college and careers.

Connections Academy
A free online public school providing a nationally certified K-12 home schooling curriculum.

K12 Virtual Academy
A leader in online learning for grades K through 12.