For some people, the increased availability of online learning has positively transformed their educational horizon. Students who enjoy online learning are now more engaged in their education. For others, logging onto a screen to join their class has them longing for the days of brick-and-mortar schools.
There are pros and cons to attending online schools. Let’s begin by exploring some of the pluses that many students enjoy with remote learning.
● Ease of Access to Education
Online learning can be easier for many students to access. Schedules for online learners usually offer much greater flexibility. This can better meet the needs of learners who have other family and life obligations. Students can participate in classes offered online from almost anywhere, which dramatically increases the ease of access to school.
● Developing Independence
In a traditional classroom, the teacher would be setting the pace for learning and when to accomplish each task. Online students need to learn and develop greater independence. Students become the ones responsible for setting deadlines and managing their time to ensure work is completed by its due date.
● More Choices
Online students can often take courses from many different schools. This increases the options available for learners. More options also include the time of day and days of the week that a student needs to attend class. Students are more apt to be engaged in learning if classes are meaningful and at the time of day the best meets their learning style.
● Better Balance
With the increase in flexibility, students’ work/life balance can be improved. Without travel time to and from school, learners can use that time to engage in other activities. Participating in new hobbies can create a more well-rounded person. Students who need to work while they are attending classes can also better fit that into their schedule as well.
Some of the cons associated with online learning are detailed below:
● Lack of Structure
Without a physical classroom setting and the structure created by the teacher, many students can flounder. Learners who are distracted and procrastinate can find they spend much more time trying to complete assignments without structure. Online classes that do not have specific deadlines and a structured routine can be a challenge for many students.
● Not as Much Social Interaction
In person social interactions are greatly reduced when attending online schools. A lack of meeting more people than just those in your class is greatly diminished with online schools. There’s no time in the cafeteria, the hallways, or clubs after school with others who are not in your class. Online schooling can limit the number of people a student can meet.
● Too Much Screen Time
Online school necessitates time on devices. Screen time without breaks can negatively affect a learner. Access to physical activities is reduced for online learning. These students are not moving around during class or between classes, which is not healthy for them.
● Access to and Issues with Technology
Online schooling only works if students can easily and consistently access classes. Reliable internet is not available everywhere. The cost for the internet varies greatly between locations as well. Disruptive internet service is a hindrance to a student’s ability to be successful online.
