Bioinfo PublicationsDramatic increases in K—12 online education for all students,
including those in traditionally underserved populations, necessi2
tate a reconceptualization in the way educators plan and implement
instruction. In this article the authors examine the complex array of
variables and implementation models that must be accounted for
during the pivot from a purely brick-and-mortar educational sys2
tem to one that makes use of both virtual and blended environ2
ments. The authors call for enhanced emphasis on instructional
goals and design principles, rather than the capabilities of available
technology. They conclude that educational leaders and researchers
must play a role in three key areas: using technology to enhance the
accessibility and usability of curricular materials to meet the needs
of different types of learners, advancing the understanding and
practices of in-service and pre-service teachers through preparation
that focuses on online learning, and fostering collaboration between
educational researchers and technology innovators and developers
to build a research base that will inform K—12 online education
