Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In this presentation, Professor Michael Barbour explores the evolution of K-12 online learning before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing from decades of experience, he discusses the historical progression of distance education, from correspondence courses to digital platforms, and highlights critical gaps in teacher preparation for online instruction.
Key topics include:
- History of K-12 distance learning
- Pre-pandemic online learning landscape
- Challenges during COVID-19 school closures
- Six recommendations for improving teacher education programs
Essential viewing for educators, administrators, and anyone interested in the future of digital learning. Learn how we can better prepare teachers for the increasingly digital classroom.
In this presentation, Professor Michael Barbour explores the evolution of K-12 online learning before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing from decades of experience, he discusses the historical progression of distance education, from correspondence courses to digital platforms, and highlights critical gaps in teacher preparation for online instruction.
Key topics include:
- History of K-12 distance learning
- Pre-pandemic online learning landscape
- Challenges during COVID-19 school closures
- Six recommendations for improving teacher education programs
Essential viewing for educators, administrators, and anyone interested in the future of digital learning. Learn how we can better prepare teachers for the increasingly digital classroom.










