District/School Administration PK-16 Program Support
Educational Technology

October, 2005

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to share with you this report, E-Learning in Massachusetts,    which provides a snapshot of the online learning activities currently underway in our schools. E-learning offers exciting opportunities to engage today's students and ultimately improve their learning. In addition, the Internet makes it possible to provide students with courses and resources that might not otherwise be available. For educators, online technologies offer increased opportunities for professional development, enabling them to become highly qualified, as required by No Child Left Behind.

Also included in this report is a section highlighting the issues that educators and students should be aware of when using online technologies. Students need to know how to keep themselves safe when using the Internet, and schools need to know how to keep their networks secure. In addition, students and educators need to learn how to deal with the ethical issues that arise when using online technologies.

The publication of this report coincides with the launch of the Massachusetts Online Network for Education (MassONE). This secure online portal enables communication, collaboration, and sharing among educators, students, and ESE staff-creating ONE statewide community.

I am proud that Massachusetts offers a statewide e-learning platform that is available to all of our educators and students. I hope that this report will inspire you to consider how you might take advantage of MassONE to enhance teaching and learning in your school. I look forward to supporting you in your efforts.

Sincerely,

David P. Driscoll
Commissioner of Education