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The shift to online education speeds up since COVID-19. Online education is a part of daily life now. More students from traditional schools want to move to online schools. We will discuss why online schools are so popular and how to make this switch.
An online school delivers lessons entirely online. Students access classes, complete assignments, and interact with teachers via the internet. Online learning allows for flexible education, where students study at their own pace from any location.
Why Are Online Schools So Popular?
Key Stats You Shouldn’t Miss
The statistics from “E-learning and digital education – Statistics & Facts” by Statista.com show the use of educational technology (edtech) in the U.S. rises. This increase happens especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. K-12 schools access over 2,500 edtech tools per district by 2023. This number is up from 895 in 2018-2019. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT see more use in classrooms. 42% of students choose online programs in 2023 because of work or family commitments. This data reflects the growing reliance on educational technology.
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Online schools became popular for several reasons:
- The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to online education. Schools had to adapt quickly to remote learning. This highlighted the convenience of online education.
- Online schools offer flexibility, allowing students to learn at their own pace.
- Online schools offer many educational technologies to make learning more effective. One example is AI like ChatGPT. This AI explains complex ideas in simple terms. ChatGPT is especially helpful for students with disabilities.
- Students access their education from anywhere with an internet connection. This is useful for students with other commitments or living in remote areas.
- The ability to personalize learning and avoid health risks made online schools more attractive.
Millions of students worldwide choose online education.
Why Choose Online Schools Over Traditional Schools?
The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the importance of online education. Many schools switched to remote learning during this time. This shift shows online schools deliver education effectively. Online schools keep students safe and minimize disruptions. Many students and parents recognize the benefits. They continue to prefer online education, even after traditional schools reopen. Table below shows seven main advantages leading parents and students to choose online education.
| ADVANTAGE | SHORT DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Flexibility | Students learn at their own pace. This allows students to adjust their schedule around other commitments. It also accommodates their personal learning preferences |
| Accessibility | Students learn from anywhere with an internet connection. This frees up more time for other activities |
| Lots of resources | Online schools provide a wider range of courses. These courses include advanced placement, specialized electives, and vocational training |
| Personalized learning | Online education allows personalized learning. Students focus on areas they find challenging. Students move quickly through subjects where they excel |
| Safe learning environment | Online education gives a safer option for students. It benefits students who may face bullying, health issues, or other challenges in a traditional school setting |
| Developing digital skills | Students in online education develop strong digital literacy skills. These skills are essential in today’s job market |
| Global networking | Online education connects students with peers and teachers from around the world. This provides a diverse learning experience and broader perspectives for students |
What to Expect from Online School?
Online schools offer a structured learning environment with flexible schedules. Students have deadlines for assignments and tests. Students choose when and where to learn. This flexibility helps students balance their education with other commitments. These commitments include extracurricular activities, hobbies, family issues, or part-time jobs.
Flexibility is a big advantage, but it requires a high level of self-discipline from students. Students manage their time effectively. They need to stay organized and take responsibility for completing their work. There are more distractions at home for students, but they handle them together with their parents.
“Holding their hands to the keyboard is something that it becomes the parent’s job to do”
Abby Schrader, WHYY
Parents play a big role in online education to help students succeed. Parents learn the digital platform and improve their tech skills to assist with schoolwork. Students turn to their parents for emotional support when they need it.
Parents and students need to know online learning has less in-person social interaction. Students connect with peers through social media, messaging apps, and video chats. Video chats don’t fully replace face-to-face communication. Students plan offline meetups to strengthen relationships. Some students feel shy or awkward. Parents notice this and offer students support and encouragement to help them feel more confident.
Teachers hold lessons in virtual classrooms. They give feedback to students using platform tools like private messages, forums, and discussion boards. Canvas is a popular platform for this. You can visit Canvas’s website to learn more.
Teachers manage the class as a group, so a passive student will be less engaged. Parents talk to teachers to check on their child’s progress and step in if needed. Students assess through quizzes, assignments, projects, and exams. This assessment is similar to a traditional school. Online schools provide real-time feedback. This allows students to track their progress and make improvements. Ongoing assessment ensures students are mastering the material.
Online schools offer various support services. These include academic counseling, technical support, and tutoring. Legacy Online School offers students extracurricular activities, clubs, and career and college counseling. Legacy Online School has clubs like Coding, STEM, Art, and Language and Culture. Our school provides Advanced Placement (AP) courses, an Advisory Board, Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) Preparation, and the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) as part of its career and college guidance. These services help students navigate the challenges of online learning.
Some students find adapting to online learning challenging. This is true for students used to a traditional classroom setting. It takes time to adjust students to the level of independence required. Parents support their child by helping them establish a routine. Parents encourage them to stay organized and be involved in their education.
7 Tips on Switching Your Child to Online School
Parents and students follow seven tips to transition from traditional school to online school:
- Evaluate your child’s readiness before making the switch to online school. Consider their learning style, self-discipline, and ability to work independently. Online learning requires self-management. Ensure your child is prepared to handle this responsibility.
- Create a study space at home where your child will focus on their studies without distractions. Parents make the space quiet, comfortable, and equipped with all necessary materials. These materials include a computer and a reliable internet connection.
- Establish a structured schedule with set times for classes, homework, breaks, and leisure activities. A structured schedule helps your child stay organized and manage their time.
- Parents’ involvement is crucial. Check regularly students progress, attend virtual parent-teacher meetings, and communicate with teachers. Parents’ support and engagement help students stay motivated and succeed.
- Take advantage of the resources offered by the online school. These resources help address any challenges your child faces.
- Encourage your child to participate in virtual group activities. Help students set up virtual or in-person meetups with classmates. This helps maintain student’s social connections.
- Be patient with your child as they adapt to this new mode of education. Encourage students and be flexible with routines or strategies to support their success.
Switching your child to online school requires careful planning and support. Parents help students make a smooth transition by following these seven tips.
Conclusion
Some students face difficulties when transitioning to online school. We looked at the benefits and key aspects of online education. We shared seven tips to help parents smoothly transition their child from traditional school to online school. Parents and students follow these tips to quickly adapt to online learning.
