The International Association for K-12 Online Learning reports that, as of 2013, over 30 states offer full-time online schools and, as of the 2011-2012 school year, these programs educated almost 300,000 students. In an effort to regulate and foster this growing field of online primary and secondary education, non-profit organizations such as the International Association for K-12 Online Learning, or iNACOL, formerly known as the North American Council for Online Learning, have established themselves as essential resources for educators by compiling research, advocating for positive policy changes and helping to create effective standards.
Establishing National Online Teaching Standards
One of iNACOL’s main goals is to establish a set of shared criteria for educators who teach online. Developed in collaboration between educators, curriculum specialists and administrators, the iNACOL national standards for quality assess a teacher’s knowledge as well as the teacher's ability to apply online teaching pedagogy effectively. Examples of these criteria include the ability to establish effective student learning in an online environment, the appropriate incorporation and ethical use of technology, the encouragement of active learning within an online forum and the ability to accommodate various academic needs within the digital format.
Advocating for Political Policy
iNACOL also advocates for political policies that help advance the state of online education at the state and national level. The organization works to encourage the development of online learning frameworks and looks for solutions to overcome the various barriers to online education that prevent the field’s advancement. For example, iNACOL supports the implementation of federal research initiatives into quality online learning programs as well as policies that promote professional development for or allow for the adoption of emergent technologies and advancement in online learning tools and teaching methods.
Providing Research and Reports
Another principle goal of iNACOL is to provide access to up-to-date research in the field of online learning. Accordingly, they offer an online database of research in online learning, on topics such as distance education success factors or what works in kindergarten through twelfth grade online learning, for people to use in familiarizing themselves with the latest information and understanding on the subject.
Networking Through Professional Development Programs and Initiatives
iNACOL also encourages networking among educators as they tackle difficult issues associated with online learning, such as next generation learning challenges and quality assurance. In addition to blogs on various online education topics, iNACOL also sponsors a webinar series, with past topics including how state educational leaders are advancing competency education and the pedagogy and strategy of online teacher training programs. Added to these networking opportunities is iNACOL’s annual blended and online learning symposium that centers on current techniques and issues in the field.
- International Association for K-12 Online Learning: Fast Facts about Online Learning
- International Association for K-12 Online Learning: National Standards for Quality Online Teaching (Version Two, October 2011)
- International Association for K-12 Online Learning: Center for Policy Advocacy
- International Association for K-12 Online Learning: Top Five Federal Policy Issues Brief
- International Association for K-12 Online Learning: Statement of Principles for Model Legislation in States
- International Association for K-12 Online Learning: Research Database
- International Association for K-12 Online Learning: Archived Webinars
- iNACOL: iNACOL Blended and Online Learning Symposium
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