ABSTRACT
New forms of electronic media have been used to create virtual learning experiences in K-12 schools across the U.S. The virtual schooling (VS) movement, in which K-12 courses and activities are offered mostly or completely through distance technologies, is expanding rapidly (Clark, 2001; Roblyer, 2003; Setzer, Lewis, & Green, 2005; Zucker & Kozma, 2003). A recently released report on virtual schooling from the National Center for Education Statistics (Setzer, Lewis, & Greene, 2005) indicated that about one-third of public school districts in the U.S. had students enrolled in distance education courses during the 2002-2003 school year. Wood (2005) reported that about 300,000 students participated in online education during this time period. It seems likely that participation in VS will grow exponentially during the next decade. (Editorial note: Annual reports by Watson et al. have continued to update statistics on this rapid growth including Watson, Gemin. and Ryan 2008).
