Online learning is still a relatively new concept and in public schools—notoriously two steps behind in the latest technology even in the most well-funded school systems—and in an attempt to help clear up any lingering mystery in the process of K-12 e-learning, North American Council for Online Learning has come out with a guidebook for parents and school officials. NACOL’s guidebook, “A National Primer on K-12 Online Learning,” offers answers to many common questions about K-12 online learning. eSchool News reports:

The report answers questions such as what an online course looks like, how students will interact with their teacher, and whether online instruction really works. (The short answer: Yes, if done correctly.) It also addresses issues for educators and policy makers who are considering developing their own online learning initiatives, such as what courses can be taught online effectively, what qualifications and training teachers will need, and what policies states or school districts should have in place before starting an online learning program.

“More than 700,000 K-12 students are already learning online. Educators, policy makers, and parents recognize the benefits of providing new opportunities through high-quality online courses that students can access from anywhere, 24-7,” said Susan Patrick, NACOL’s president and chief executive.

“Yet, despite this growing interest, there are few resources for parents or educators to answer basic questions about online learning. The ‘Primer’ will serve as a tool for parents seeking the best educational opportunities for their children, and for school leaders and policy makers who must understand the essential elements of online learning in order to make informed decisions about implementing these programs,” Patrick said.

The guide is free and can be found at http://www.nacol.org/docs/national_report.pdf.