Online Learning

4 realizations that will help schools close learning gaps

Smarthinking online tutors provide a pathway for a brighter future. For over 25 years, our network of expert tutors has helped learners reach their full potential.  

Oct. 25, 2021

Envisioning the new normal: A story of optimism in education

A discussion on how the education system  continuously adapts to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aug. 23, 2021

Rebound! A focus on 1 critical need: rebuilding student agency

To successfully bounce back and "rebound," one area to focus our attention is rebuilding student agency.

By Douglas Fisher and Nancy Frey, Corwin • May 24, 2021

Reading gaps widen in mid-year data, especially for K-1 students of color

Compared to last year, the percentage of students on-track decreased from 55% to 37% for kindergartners, and from 58% to 43% for 1st-graders, according to data in a new report.

By Naaz Modan • Feb. 25, 2021

Decisions to stop or start in-person K-12 learning aren't getting easier

As COVID-19 surges, school leaders are pivoting weekly to address disrupted schedules. Here's how they're navigating uncharted waters.

By Kara Arundel • Nov. 25, 2020

4 ways COVID-19 could alter long-term curricular approaches

From the times and places learning occurs to what schools look like, pandemic shifts to education are unlikely to revert, experts say.

By Lauren Barack • Nov. 18, 2020

How to use a workshop model for full lessons, not just individual skills

The learning approach shares many characteristics with project-based learning and gives more hands-on experiences to students, educators say.

By Lauren Barack • Nov. 18, 2020

Can SpaceX satellite tech bridge the homework gap?

Looking to solve an ongoing remote hurdle experienced by many schools, a Texas district is piloting the company's Starlink tech to provide high-speed home internet to rural students and teachers.

By Kara Arundel • Nov. 18, 2020

'Relationships matter': Remote learning places new hurdles in fight against chronic absenteeism

Schools are employing a variety of tactics — including coaches, phone calls and dance parties at lunch — to boost attendance in virtual environments, but defining students' "presence" remains a challenge.

By Natalie Gross • Nov. 12, 2020

Rubric for Recovery: Tightening budgets, litigation add to pandemic special ed pressures

Dedicated in-person sessions and group interventions have been among districts' strategies for additional supports amid remote learning challenges.

By Kara Arundel • Nov. 4, 2020

Rubric for Recovery: For rural communities, it's all-hands-on-deck to help low-income students

With some families so remote they lack access to reliable connections, rural schools have reached students with lessons on USB drives and more.

By Naaz Modan • Nov. 3, 2020

Rubric for Recovery: How schools are educating marginalized students during COVID-19

In a four-part series, we explore the challenges districts face teaching at-risk groups in-person and online, and how they are creatively addressing them. 

Nov. 3, 2020

Rubric for Recovery: ELs face more hurdles amid lost in-person learning

Schools are employing extra English development courses, individualized support delivered to students' sidewalks and more to maintain progress.

By Kara Arundel • Nov. 2, 2020

How are educators keeping young students engaged online?

Physical activity such as nature walks and creating a connection with parents and enlisting their involvement are two keys to success, educators say.

By Lauren Barack • Oct. 28, 2020

How deeply will digital learning transform K-12 long term?

While pandemic shifts to remote learning set the stage for significant change, a variety of factors will determine how far and fast it goes, a new report shows.

By Roger Riddell • Oct. 22, 2020

Flexible backup plans keep online learning going through illness, outages

Planning ahead for the unexpected provides entry points to put students and substitutes at ease in the event of unexpected disruptions.

By Lauren Barack • Oct. 21, 2020

3 COVID-19 education trends set to persist post-pandemic

While the coronavirus has caused hardships, some K-12 practices born from the virus have the potential to enhance outcomes and school operations.

By Kara Arundel • Oct. 19, 2020

Project-based learning can be more engaging, but remote spaces provide challenges

One curriculum designer suggests providing office hours and collaboration rooms are among keys to remote PBL success.

By Lauren Barack • Oct. 14, 2020

Hotlines fill tech, homework help gaps for teachers, parents during distance ed

One state's department of education partnered with a local nonprofit to provide these resources statewide.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Oct. 13, 2020

State ed chiefs rethinking accountability during COVID-19

Using old models is a "bridge too far" for 2020-21, one expert said, and an unprecedented year could mean performance and goal expectations overhauls.

By Naaz Modan • Oct. 7, 2020

IEPs altered to reflect distance learning service changes, but at cost to schools

Special educators say they are burdened with more paperwork and seek more guidance on replicating in-person services to distance learning formats.

By Kara Arundel • Oct. 6, 2020

The play must go on: Moving arts ed forward during COVID-19

Schools are limited in ways to support performing arts instruction and stage events, but educators and associations have found ways to adapt opportunities in-person and online.

By Lauren Barack • Sept. 22, 2020

Educators find strategies fostering SEL, play for youngest students as coronavirus continues

As some schools physically reopen this fall, educators are finding ways to adapt traditional in-person activities even with social distancing in place.

By Lauren Barack • Sept. 16, 2020

Most voters see digital divide as problem, want federal funds to expand access

Lack of home internet was a nuisance prior to COVID-19, but a new poll shows distance learning has increased urgency to connect all students.

By Shawna De La Rosa • Sept. 11, 2020

Hartford, Miami cyberattacks highlight need for vigilance as districts reopen

K-12 is a prime target for hackers due to limited security resources and vast amounts of data, and the pandemic hasn't slowed them down.

By Roger Riddell • Sept. 10, 2020