The Development of Online and Blended Learning in Primary and Secondary Education in Iceland

Abstract

In the early nineties, a grassroots movement of educators in rural districts initiated a nationwide network and connected most Icelandic schools to the Internet. The development of online and blended learning at the compulsory level involved: language-related projects; projects in rural schools; and efforts to increase course selection through collaboration between schools and access to upper secondary level courses. At the upper secondary level, in 1994 to 2005, pioneering distance programs started in a few schools. In the following years, blended and online learning developed to various extent in all schools with the aid of Learning Management Systems (LMSs). Results from a 2010 evaluation study involving three main distance education providers are outlined and an overview of selected cases provided which shed light on recent development. It is concluded that there is a need for stronger policies and support from authorities regarding the development of distance, online learning and blended learning at the primary and secondary level in Iceland.