Online Learning – Is It For You and Your Children?
Online learning has existed for a long time and has worked well for adults who want a quick way to pick up some skills and build up their resume while still employed full-time. However, that was not the case for public K-12 schools. It just was not how you learned as a child, and it took COVID for online learning to gain any meaningful traction. But did we simply accept what was there before COVID, or did online learning change to become a more viable learning environment?
I think it is safe to say that, for the most part, we have returned to in-class learning (old habits are hard to change). Some people prefer the old way, but others have accepted it fully and now go to school fully online. Is online learning for you?
Let’s look at the Pros and Cons of online learning, and you can decide if this is a viable option for you and your children.
Convenience
This is a clear winner in the Pros category. No more commute: school drop-offs and pickups are a thing of the past. Frees up time for both parents and students in the morning and evening.
Flexibility
One of the primary advantages of online learning schools is flexibility. Students have the freedom to create their own schedules and study at their own pace. This works especially well for students who excel in extra-curricular sports or classes (arts, music, etc.). It certainly works for parents with busy schedules or for single parents who cannot leave work to go pick up the kids.
Accessibility
Online learning schools break down geographical barriers, allowing students to access quality education from anywhere with an internet connection. This is especially advantageous for individuals living in remote areas or those unable to attend traditional brick-and-mortar schools. Students with physical challenges that make in-person learning school challenging or impossible.
Diverse Learning Opportunities
Online learning schools offer a wide range of courses and programs catering to diverse interests and educational needs. Students can choose from a variety of subjects, including niche topics that may not be available in traditional schools.
Personalized learning
Online learning platforms often employ adaptive learning technologies and personalized learning algorithms. These tools analyze students’ learning styles and preferences to deliver customized content and recommendations, enhancing the overall learning experience. This area is relatively new, but expect to see real and substantial growth as AI becomes more prevalent.
Cost-effectiveness
With no brick-and-mortar classroom, learning centers can massively increase their reach and deliver more programs than traditional schools. Now that programs can be delivered to all 24 time zones, the same learning center can operate around the clock (if need be, although probably not recommended).
Students, in turn, can save both time and money on commuting costs, accommodation fees, textbooks, and other costs associated with in-person classes.
Enhanced Technology Integrations
Online learning schools leverage cutting-edge technologies to deliver interactive and engaging educational experiences. Technology enhances learning outcomes and fosters digital literacy skills, from multimedia resources to virtual reality simulations. And we are not referring here to making gamers out of all students but rather making classes more interesting and diverse with more resources at one’s fingertips. Plus, we will know which students actually spend time in class and submit their assignments versus surfing away the day while the parents are at work (this is a Con from a student’s perspective, but parents will love it).
Of course, we would be amiss if we did not look at the other side of the coin. As with most things in life, nothing is perfect, and no decision should be made without first looking the negatives too. Here are the most common ones.
Lack of Face-to-Face Interaction
One of the main drawbacks of online learning schools is the absence of face-to-face interaction with instructors and peers. This lack of physical presence can hinder socialization skills development and limit opportunities for real-time feedback and collaboration. The lack of contact can make learning less engaging. Structured and informal social interaction is also crucial for many students’ emotional and even academic development.
Self-Discipline and Motivation Challenges
Online learning requires a high level of self-discipline and motivation. Without the structure of traditional classroom settings, some students may struggle to stay focused and organized. Procrastination and distractions can impede learning progress and academic success.
Physical Activity
Students studying at home tend to miss out on physical activity. Eliminating a walk to school might be good for the student who likes to sleep in and is often late to class, but the walk to school does provide much needed physical activity, especially for those students who do not like sports or only take PE because it is a mandatory course.
Computer Face Time
Students studying online will inadvertently spend more time in front of screen, and this cannot be good in long run.
Limited Hand-On Learning
Certain subjects, such as laboratory sciences or performing arts, rely heavily on hands-on learning experiences. Online learning will need to address this issue, or students will end up with gaps in their practical skill development.
Class Stops If the Internet Stops
Online learning is contingent upon technology so any internet connectivity problems or software glitches can disrupt the learning process. And students with limited access to technology or insufficient digital literacy skills may encounter additional barriers.
Quality and Credibility Concerns
Quality control can be an issue if it is left up to the free market to self- regulate or if the school district does not have good quality controls and review measures in place. Some institutions, if left to their own accord, may, due to budget constraints, cut corners in this area.
Conclusion
Online learning schools offer numerous benefits, including flexibility, accessibility, and diverse learning opportunities. However, they also pose challenges like limited face-to-face interaction, self-discipline requirements, and potential technology-related issues. It is essential for students, parents and educators to weigh the pros and cons carefully when considering online learning as an educational option.
Personally, I would not have my children attend online learning continuously, but the fact that it is available does offer some very real and practical applications. For example, if parents want to take a year to travel around the world but do not because they do not want their children to miss a year of school, online learning might just be the perfect solution. Certainly, a year of traveling around the world would offer benefits and experiences to their children that simply would not be available in regular school. These benefits would outweigh what might be missed by not being in a classroom.
I always tell the parents to make decisions based on their children’s needs and no one or nothing else. Do not decide based on what is convenient or easy but what will deliver the most benefits to the kids. Online classes might be, for a short time, the solution or bridge that will allow you to reach these goals.
Rene is a Canadian education consulting and student recruiter based out of Bangkok with over 20 years of experience in the S.E. Asian market. He can be reached at info@gostudycanada.net and followed at GoStudyCanada (FB & IG)
