A recent study sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education contained some promising comments regarding the future of online education. Prepared by the Center for Technology in Learning, the study titled "Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning: A Meta-Analysis and Review of Online Learning Studies" contained over 80 pages of information. In the introductory pages, the report said, "Students who took all or part of their class online performed better, on average, than those taking the same course through traditional face-to-face instruction."

Those compiling the report examined the comparative research of online and traditional classroom teaching from 1996 to 2008. The study included the research literature available for settings in K-12, college, and adult continuing education programs. Though the numbers of published studies in the K-12 environment were limited, the results obtained were nonetheless affirming in regards to the positive impact of online learning.

In reporting on the study, The New York Times chose an optimistic title in favor of online education. Their August 19, 2009, article by Steve Lohr was titled "Study Finds That Online Education Beats the Classroom." Overall, it was a short, but well-balanced exposé on the study.

Barbara Means, the study's lead author and an educational psychologist at SRI International, said, "The study's major significance lies in demonstrating that online learning today is not just better than nothing. It actually tends to be better than conventional instruction."

Lohr added, "This hardly means that we'll be saying good-bye to classrooms, but the report does suggest that online education could be set to expand sharply over the next few years, as evidence mounts of its value."

At Alpha Omega Publications®, we are excited to be a part of this positive trend. Since the introduction of Switched-On® in 1996, we have been committed to continual improvements and yearly revisions. By the grace of God, we expect to continue to provide the Christian education movement with a Christ-honoring education program that provides solid academics for 21st century online learning.