There is no denying that online schools are a rage now. The rage has gone stronger in the past decade. At the time of taking a plunge into the world of virtual education, you must consider the pros as well as the common cons of online schooling. In short, be realistic and then take a decision!
Pros of an Online Schooling
A flexible and personalized schedule
Flexibility is one of the major factors that drives many students to consider online learning. The good thing is that students can log onto the course material at their very own convenience. This makes it easier for students to juggle their various activities together, mostly those with a hectic lifestyle. Taking online classes, you can learn at unconventional times of the day. There is no set time or rules when it comes to learning. You can follow your own pace. You can regulate your pace. Thus, when you are success-driven, you can use this liberty in the best possible manner.
You need to create your own schedule here. There is no rigidity involved. You can even change your schedule if you feel the present one is not really going congruent with your learning capacity. Thus, you can be your own boss! However, you need to know your strengths and weaknesses in order to create a smart schedule. If you do have doubts, you can approach your online instructor or your parents to guide you with your schedule.
A wide range of programs
Most of the well-reputed online schools provide students with a vast range of programs. The online school knows that every child is different and has different educational needs. Thus, a specific program might not really cater to all of the children.
Also, these curricula are customizable. Thus, parents and students can alter a curriculum to suit their own needs and learning objectives.
Good accessibility of online instructors
Most of the online courses are available full-time. The good thing is that even the online resources are available full-time! This includes the online instructors. There will always be some teacher online to guide you with your issues. Thus, you do not have to keep your queries pending for the next day or week. You can get them solved there and then. Good online schools always employ certified and qualified teachers. Therefore, you can be rest assured to get an expert opinion on your issues. You can get your academic as well as non-academic issues resolved in no time.
No involvement of commutation
Taking online classes, you can really save a good deal of money. You can save time, gas, and energy as well. The good thing is that you do not have to drive in bad weather. Thus, a lot of time is saved. You can just get up at your normal time and log in to get started.
Various learning formats
Most of the online schools come up with various new ways to make learning really engaging and stimulating. These might include Webcams, CD/DVDs, animation and virtual classrooms.
Inculcating the sense of self-motivation
Apart from academic growth, online students can grow personally as well. By the time an online learner completes his online course, he develops several life-skills. These life-skills are vital. The common ones include self-dependence, sense of ownership and responsibility, sense of accountability, decision-making skills etc.
Sharpening technical skills
By default, you get to learn a lot about technology, when you are an online learner. You can know more than just the technological basics! These skills and knowledge actually help you in the long run. After all, technology is an integral part of every industry today. So, you might not have to take a separate course to learn technology, if you are an online learner!
Cons of Online Schooling
No face-to-face interaction
It is pretty evident that no face-to-face interaction is involved in online learning. Socialization takes place here, but in a way that is different from that of a traditional schooling environment. Virtual socialization takes place via various platforms such as discussion forums, e-mails, social media sites etc. Of course, students can meet one another if they feel they are connecting!
Limited student-teacher interaction
Now, the interaction between an online student and his teacher is limited. This is a given. However, if the student takes the initiative to interact with his teacher, he can actually create a very good rapport in a short time. Thus, he can feel comfortable enough to address his needs and queries to his teacher.
Common technological problems
In case there is some sort of technical glitch, the student will be unable to access his classes. This will remain like that, at least for a while. So, the online student needs to get the contact details of the IT support team, before getting started with the online course. You can directly contact the Admissions Officer to get the details.
Not every online school is legitimate
You need to remember that not all online schools will provide you with a quality education. There are certain online scams that will make false promises to you to sell their faulty services. Without doing a good deal of research, you might even fall prey to one of these scams. This might cause you sheer loss of time, money and energy.
So, at the time of picking an online school, you need to be extremely alert. You must make sure to only attend an online high school that is accredited, mainly regionally accredited. Only if your diploma is from an accredited online school, will you be accepted in a college or job. After all, the accreditation status is a sure indicator of the school’s legitimacy. In order to check the accreditation, you can check out the school’s credible website. Usually, the accreditation status and the names of the accreditors are specified on the main page of the website.