A joint study by the North American Council for Online Learning (NACOL) and the Partnership for 21st Century Skills led to an exciting announcement: that online learning is not only valuable, but crucial for gaining the skills required in today's advanced work force.

The study refers to both secondary school, and later college education.

"Eighty-four percent of employers say schools are not doing a good job of preparing students for the workplace - not only in mastery of math and science but in a basic work ethic," said NACOL president Susan Patrick. "As a nation we have to do better, and research shows that online learning provides the interactive, collaborative and self-paced learning environment where students can gain the skills needed to succeed in today's jobs."