1999     Electronic course management and online courses come to the elementary school.

EdGate introduces E-class and SchoolNotes for the K-12 community.   A version of the University of Illinois Center for Educational Technology's WebCT software, E-class enables elementary educators to create their own online courses.  SchoolNotes is bulletin board/messaging software designed to provide students and parents access to class information, assignments, and announcements.  This year also saw Mallard interactive course management software used in elementary classroom.  Also a product of the Center for Educational Technology, Mallard has its first test run in the elementary setting at Robeson Elementary School in Champaign, Illinois.
 

2013    Learning communities replace the traditional classroom.

Distance learning becomes the norm for many students, as almost half of all elementary and secondary age learners are homeschooled.  Traditional classrooms are also no longer geographically bound.  Based on the popular concepts of self-teaching and student-lead education, Individualized Education is no longer just for 'special' students.  Learners join courses that meet their individual learning needs and interests.  Monitored by instructors who are specialists in their field,  students from all corners of the globe participate in synchronous and asynchronous learning via lecture, chat, interactive web units, and self-directed research and group projects.