Communications and Technology Industry Research

The popularity of online learning courses is increasing nowadays due to convenience as well as the enhanced interactivity it offers.

A recent survey conducted by Simba (News - Alert) Information and Market Data Retrieval in February 2010 indicated increased interest in online learning courses in schools, from kindergarten through grade 12.

The research report entitled, 'Moving Online: K-12 Distance Learning Market Forecast 2010,' reported that more than half of the nation's public elementary and secondary schools could be offering students online learning programs within the next two years.

Also, about one-third of schools already have some kind of online program in 2009-2010, and another 20 percent expect that a program will be started by 2011-2012.

Kathy Mickey, senior analyst/managing editor of Simba's Education Group, said, 'The anticipated expansion of the implementation of online learning is spurred not only by the economy and education budget constraints but by the increasing recognition of the need to engage students as individuals and the rapid proliferation of computer technologies.'

Simba has applied time-tested analytics to the K-12 online learning market in its new publication, in order to provide crucial business and market intelligence regarding the growing segment of the school market.

The survey of district- and school-level administrators, which was jointly conducted by Simba Information and the education market research firm Market Data Retrieval, featured in the new report offers greater understanding of who offers online courses and what purposes the courses serve.

In addition, the report also provides detailed examination of current and developing programs through six case studies at the district, state and consortium levels. Publishers, marketing, sales and business development professionals, and industry analysts and consultants can leverage this report to gain insights into: most widely deployed uses of online courses; market segments with the most penetration; anticipated growth; types of instructional materials in demand in online courses; and how components of online courses are being integrated into mainstream classes.