Current trends and perspectives in the K-12 canadian blended and online classroom

Canada has a history and geography that has required the use of distance education models and resources, and with its distributed population the potential of blended and online learning to further address K-12 learning needs is presently viewed by government as a means to deliver public education. These commitments have produced numerous responses and concerns regarding technical infrastructure, discussions regarding pedagogy, professional development of teachers, and establishing the means to meet the needs of twenty-first century learners. The following overview provides the Canadian K-12 context and educational trends, issues, and concerns within digital technologies and distance learning. The resulting summary holds significance for jurisdictions that have a vast geography and dispersed rural students, indigenous populations, as well as K-12 urban learners who require flexible access to educational delivery. Additionally, the overview contributes to the emerging understanding and the variety of response to digital technologies as part of the Canadian educational landscape.