Online schooling
By Cassie (Cassiopeia.)
When people think about their school environment, what comes to mind? Most people probably think of fellow classmates running through the halls before the bell rings, whilst some would think of sitting at their kitchen table, with their books before them, taking instructions from their parent. For a few, learning in front of a computer could come to mind as well. Education is a broad spectrum that can be taught in many different settings. A physical school or an education at home - with a parent, or online are all options. This article is going to take a look in depth at how online schooling works, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of choosing online education.
Enrolling
First, after conducting research on the appropriate school for one's needs, the desired school has to be looked at by the school board, or those who oversee the educational needs where the student resides, to ensure it meets specific requirements. The exact requirements cannot be listed as they vary in different areas. However, typical requirements cover credits needed to graduate, as well as the amount of time that must be devoted to classes. Once it has been established that the school meets the requirements, personal information and a recent report card must be sent to the school by fax or mail. Following this, the student will have a discussion with their school counselor who will help to pick their classes. The first course for the majority of schools is an orientation course to assess technical requirements and student guidelines. Teachers will send out welcome emails with information on their course and course navigation. Textbooks (if needed) will also be sent to the student's home.
Learning
Depending on the chosen school, all classes can be finished within a few months. Two months is generally the minimum duration; however, students are given a maximum of a calendar year to complete their courses. Certain assignments are also timed to ensure that courses are not rushed. Assignments are a mix of both multiple choice and written responses. Most of the learning is through videos, articles, and documents, as well as student discussion boards. There are three main suggested ways to complete courses. A student can choose to work on a single class at a time so they can maintain their focus. This is the most highly used method of course completion. A student can also choose to work on all classes at a time which is similar to a traditional school. Lastly, a student can work on several, but not all, classes at a time. A schedule is necessary for this option. Counselors are around for educational and emotional help. Teachers are also available to answer questions through various channels including email, telephone, or video calling systems such as Skype or Google+ Hangouts.
Advantages
- Instead of conforming to a standard school schedule, online schooling can be tailored to the individual. This is particularly useful for students who are on the go with sports or a career, as well as students who like free time here and there. Additionally, students who suffer with an illness have the freedom to work on class assignments when they're able to. Classes are self-paced, so there is no waiting around for or catching up with classmates. Students can work whenever suits them - even as early as three in the morning if desired.
- Dealing with bullies or other classmates in a school premises is not necessary, either. One can instead work in peace and focus on themselves rather than the action taking place around them. Socializing with classmates isn't required but it can be done using the student discussion boards where students can happily chat among themselves. Chit-chat is permitted in these discussion boards only; not in the academic forums.
- Clubs and blogs for the school are great options to get involved with because they enable you to maintain a social life! Each school will likely offer activities. The school blog is run primarily by students that help the student body express themselves as a whole. Poems, articles, and other creative pieces are submitted for everyone to see. Other clubs commonly offered are book, photography, volunteering, and biology clubs. The book and photography clubs enable you to pick a book or take pictures of your own choosing and then discuss them on the school forum or in a live session format. The volunteering club encourages students to start or take part in their own community project! The biology club gives students, who are interested in the environment and health sciences, the opportunity to get together.
- Students can contact their teachers at any time through systems mentioned above. Teachers are required to respond to your message within twenty-four hours. Counselors are also available for academic or emotional support.
- Finally, primary educational needs can be achieved several years earlier with online schooling than in a regular school setting. Classes can be finished in as little as two months and as late as one calendar year. Theoretically, six years of schooling can be acquired in one year. However, the minimum and maximum time periods to complete classes vary for each school.
Disadvantages
- Online schooling is not without its challenges, however. One of the most notable of these is financing it. This largely depends on the desired school. Some schools are free but others do have tuition fees. Tuition varies on class placement. Fees tend to be higher for more advanced courses.
- Additionally, while teachers can be contacted, they reside all over the country. If any other communication is wanted, that teacher might have to talk to the student at a different time of their day due to time zone differences.
- The adjustment to online schooling can be troublesome at times. Students can have problems with attention span, as well as learning solely from what is on a computer screen. Students are accustomed to having a teacher in front of them and this may pose difficulty. Students can also struggle socially if they decide to keep to themselves. Social isolation can lead to serious mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety.
- For students under the age of sixteen, time logged onto the school website must be recorded by the student taking the classes and later turned into the school board. If it is not recorded, the student may suffer penalizations. There are mandatory meetings with the school board to discuss progress as well.
- Parents have a school account and are given updates on grades and assignments. They are sent an alert if work has not been submitted within a consecutive period of time. This essentially means that procrastination is not an option.
School online can have setbacks, but all in all, it is a very unique and rewarding experience. From self-paced classes, to school in pajamas, education can most definitely be completed online. With self-motivation and a schedule, one can thrive through their online school years.
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