Current trends in education move us towards the use of internet technology for online learning and assessment in the K-12 classroom. Since educational research on the effectiveness of online learning is scarce, what evidence do we need to consider when evaluating it?

A list of pros and cons evolve as educators and students experience learning online. We can begin the evaluation process through this list.

This list collected from a variety of sources is not definitive but intended to be thought provoking.

 Pros:

• No time spent commuting to class or travel costs

• Can lower costs for both learning providers and 
  organizations that need training 

• Often less costs for students than traditional 
  programs 

• Can be more effective for certain types of learners
  -Your learning options are not constrained by your 
  geographic location 

• You can learn at your own pace 

• Instruction can be more customized and flexible

Cons:

• Lack of face to face interaction 

• Equity of access to learners of all backgrounds and 
  parts of society 

• Requires new skills and responsibilities from learners 

• Educators need to learn to be effective online 
  instructors 

• Academic honesty of online students 

• Types and effectiveness of assessments 

• Hard for instructors to move traditional content online 

• More time consuming for instructors to provide 
  individualized feedback

• Equipment needs of students and learning providers 

• Technical training and support of learners and instructors

Many companies are now providing free online certification of specific skills. One such company is Brainbench.

Brainbench, claims to have pioneered online skills certifications with over two million registered users.  Brainbench "provides professional online certification tests and employment assessments in information 
technology, finance, sales, administration, health and other categories."

Who knows exactly what the future of online learning will bring into the classroom? But if it can help our students learn then it's worth a try.