From their website:

As the use of computing and networking technologies in schools proliferates, educators increasingly incorporate online tools and resources into their curricula – some even replace traditional classroom interactions with "virtual" courses that take place entirely online.

In an effort to offer the K-12 community greater insight into the current trends in online learning, Project Tomorrow and Blackboard have teamed to deliver a new report titled "Learning in 21st Century: A National Report of Online Learning."

This report, released on October 18, examines the views of online learning provided by more than 250,000 students, teachers and parents (across more than 3,000 schools nationwide) in response to the 2006 Project Tomorrow–NetDay Speak Up online surveys.

"Learning in the 21st Century" also contains interviews with administrators and teachers in six school districts, which use a range of innovative online learning models, providing additional insight into the integration of online learning into curricula and the benefits experienced by teachers and students.

A sampling of key findings in the report:

• While 47% of students in grades 9–12 pursue online learning to secure courses not offered at school and 43% to work at their own pace, the top reason (42%) for students in grades 6–8 is to receive extra help
• 77% of teachers believe technology makes a difference in learning and 28% of teachers want online courses to be offered as an alternative in their district
• 42% of parents believe online classes are a good investment to improve student achievement