The walls are coming down for K–12 schools. While classroom learning remains critical for student success, spending on e-learning initiatives is on track for $325 billion in the next five years as educators look to leverage the increasing impact of digital education.

“I have real faith and confidence in the future of electronic education,” says Jessica Millstone, co-organizer of the New York EdTech MeetUp, which facilitates industry discussion about what’s working and what needs work in education. “It’s useful for our entire lives, and there’s going to be a hybrid moment where all the technology we’re developing for consumer and business experience will become part of e-learning as well.”

Schools typically have a mandated number of days for instruction. E-learning — also known as cyber days, virtual learning days or online learning days — offers administrators the flexibility to ensure instruction continues even when school buildings are closed.

For schools just starting their journey toward digital learning initiatives, there’s no recommended rubric that describes ideal implementation and adoption processes.