Technology has become an integral part of daily life, and in response, elementary schools are incorporating it heavily into their curriculum. Beyond interacting with technology in traditional classrooms, elementary students now have the opportunity to explore online learning. According to the 2015 Keeping Pace with K12 Digital Learning report, the number of elementary students enrolled full-time in online schools is growing quickly.
Online elementary schools aren't only for students transitioning to homeschooling; many elementary students enroll in online schools to supplement their reading, math, and writing classes, or even temporarily when ill or injured.
The flexibility of an online education allows students a new way to learn from home, and provides a background in technology that can carry them through the rest of their education.
Why Consider an Online Education?
It's critical for parents to be able to articulate why an online program is right for their child. There are a number of compelling reasons to choose an online school and several learning options to meet the needs of your family. Online learning, whether fully online or blended, can be beneficial for students who have specific needs for alternative course work.
Common Types of Online Learning
| Instruction | Teacher | Student |
| Blended Learning: supplemental learning in physical classroom | At least some online learning | Typically in a physical classroom | Can be in the classroom or online |
| Hybrid Courses: pairs online with in-person learning | Mostly online with some face-to-face time | Can be multiple instructors | Mostly online |
| Supplemental Learning: augment learning with extra courses | Fully online | Certificated and teaching remotely | Online in addition to regular classes |
| Online Courses: full course education experience | Instruction is primarily online | Certificated and teaching remotely | Can be in the classroom or online |
Source: Adapted from Keeping Pace with K12 Digital Learning, 2015
A blended program allows students to split their time between a traditional classroom and an online one. These programs are a great option for parents interested in acquainting themselves and their children with online learning, allowing them to ease into the new format.
In addition to fully online and blended programs, children can take advantage of virtual tutoring services to try out online learning. Sites such as tutor.com and Smart Tutor offer supplemental curricula for elementary students struggling in math, reading, and science classes.
Students with an array of unique circ*mstances find that an online education provides a flexible alternative to brick-and-mortar schools.
Mobile Students
Some special circ*mstances require full-time online elementary school enrollment. For example, families in the entertainment industry, in the military, or in international business may find themselves constantly traveling. Such families don't have the scheduling and location stability necessary for traditional brick-and-mortar programs.
Ill or Disabled Students
Chronic illnesses affect up to 20% of school aged children and can prevent motivated learners from attending a traditional school, even if they are healthy enough to complete course assignments and to socialize. Long-term school absences due to chronic illness can be a detriment to a child's social and educational development. A full-time online school can provide a student with an education regardless of where the student's care is administered.
| School Checklist | - How will teachers support my student?
- How will the school meet my child's individual needs?
- How are parents involved?
|
Students in Rural Areas
Rural elementary schools often have difficulty recruiting high-quality teachers and funding school facilities, according to a 2013 report by the Montana Office of Public Instruction. The challenges faced by low-population, remote parts of the country can be alleviated by blended or full-time online learning. Families in rural areas may also find that online education reduces the time, stress, and money required to commute to the nearest school. As Internet access continues to improve throughout these locations, more students are turning to digital lessons.
Gifted Students
Since most traditional schools operate on standardized benchmarks, gifted students are often required to work at the same pace as their classmates. They may become bored with the curriculum and lack the option to advance on their own. Supplementary courses can help advanced or accelerated students excel by giving them access to more demanding materials and activities. Several studies monitoring gifted student engagement in online programs corroborate this finding and also indicate that self-motivated learners can especially benefit from online study.
Homeschooling
Before Internet access was integrated into homeschooling, parents received training materials, textbooks, and worksheets in the mail. It was entirely up to parents to administer these lessons and to keep their child on track. Students enrolled in online homeschool programs will benefit from features like video lectures, interactive media, and remote instructors. Blended programs take some of the pressure off of parents who no longer need to oversee their child's homeschool development full-time. There are many popular homeschool methods, such as the Classical Education and Montessori styles. These methods have already been converted to digital formats that take advantage of the technologies available.
Evaluating Online Schools
Set your child up for a successful school year online by researching teacher credentials, technology requirements, accreditation, tuition costs, and time commitments in advance. Consider the online commitment that best suits your family. Part-time courses can add supplementary value to a child's existing academic activities. Full-time online elementary schools can take the place of traditional programs, giving parents more control over their child's curriculum, schedule, and development.
Public vs. Private Online Schools
Like traditional educational programs, online schools can be public or private. The distinctions between the two extend to price, prestige, culture, academic benchmarks, and resources. The cost of an online elementary school can range from free to thousands of dollars annually depending on whether it's a public or private school and which schools are offered in your state.
K-12 School Enrollment
Source: Keeping Pace with K12 Digital Learning, 2015
While there are many different options, online public schools remain the most popular choice for online learning.
Public vs. Private Schools
| Pros | Cons |
| Private Schools: student tuition with little federal support | - Advanced student support
- High-caliber faculty
- Rigorous academics
| Families pay cost of tuition |
| Public Schools: largely state-funded | - Standardized curriculum
- Higher access to blended programs
- Community resources
| Academic rigor varies |
| Public Charter Schools: largely state-funded | - Often autonomous administration
- Flexible curriculum
- Diverse teaching practices and approaches
| Accreditation not always required and varies by school |
Some states offer free public virtual schools. In addition low- or no-cost attendance, public, state-run online schools can be very appealing to parents, since their children's education is held to the same accreditation and academic standards as traditional schools.
Typically, residency must be established in the state that operates the specific public virtual school that a student wants to attend, and the state provides free education to residents only. While out-of-state students may enroll, non-residents are subject to tuition fees. Your state's Department of Education (ED) website is a good starting point in your search for online public schools, but here are a few of the most popular schools:
| Connections Academy offers tuition-free, fully accredited online public schools for students in grades K–12. The number of available schools varies by state. |
| K12 offers both public and private K12 online school options depending on your state. Students can enroll full- or part-time and tuition varies by state and enrollment status. |
| K12 International Academy offers K12 online programs and is a fully accredited online private school. |
If a virtual school works with your state, you will most likely not be charged a tuition fee to enroll your elementary student. If you choose private online schools offered, prices can vary widely, from just a few hundred dollars to nearly $5,000 a year. Some private programs offer ways to reduce the cost of attending an online elementary school. K12 International Academy works to offer lower tuition, payment plans, and sibling discounts. Potential out-of-pocket costs for parents include registration fees, technology upkeep, official transcripts, and school supplies. Depending on the school, parents can enroll in payment plans to help finance their child's private school education.
| Cost Checklist | - Is the program state-funded?
- What additional fees will I need to pay each semester/year?
- What are the public schools in my state?
|
In addition to tuition fees, when researching any school, be sure to confirm any additional hidden fees, including:
- Application fees
- Textbooks and supplies
- Extracurricular sports and activities
- Public Schools
- Technology fees or requirements
Accreditation
The Dept. of Education does not maintain a registry of all nationally recognized accreditation organizations for primary and secondary schools like they do with colleges and universities. That means for elementary schools, accrediting bodies and their standards vary by state. They are also different for public and private schools and whether they're offered online or not. Online elementary schools are often accredited on the national level by AdvancED or by one of the six regional accreditation agencies in the United States. Before approving an institution, these accrediting agencies ensure that the school meets established criteria. For example, AdvancED conducts its reviews with these five standards:
- Purpose and Direction
- Governance and Leadership
- Teaching and Assessing for Learning
- Resources and Support Systems
- Using Results for Continuous Improvement
If an online elementary school has multiple locations in different states, the schools will usually pursue regional accreditation. Accreditation must periodically be renewed with these regulatory bodies.
Parents can check a school's advanced annual status by visiting the organization's Accredited Institutions registry. Type in the name of the academic institution or search with location parameters like your city, state, and zip code. This database also lets you search for accredited schools based on the public/private status, district, and charter status. These search functions can help you identify possible distance learning programs for your child.
Academic Rigor
Public online elementary schools must adhere to specific district and state academic standards to continue receiving funding and accreditation approval. This means specific content must be taught in math, social studies, science, and language arts courses. These content rubrics will differ from state to state, but will focus primarily on language arts and math skills. Here is a sample of core concepts that students are expected to understand at each grade level:
Kindergarten
| Reading Standards | Math Skills |
- Ask and answer questions about key details in a text
- Identify characters, settings, and major events in a story
- Recognize common types of texts
- Engage in group reading activities
| - Know number names and the count sequence
- Identify and describe shapes
- Classify objects and count the number of objects in categories
|
First Grade
| Reading Standards | Math Skills |
- Retell stories, including key details
- Identify words and phrases that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses
- Use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events
- Compare and contrast the adventures and experiences of characters in stories
| - Solve problems using addition and subtraction (1-20)
- Understand place value
- Tell and write time
|
Second Grade
| Reading Standards | Math Skills |
- Recount stories
- Describe how words and phrases supply rhythm and meaning
- Compare and contrast two or more versions of the same story
| - Understand the foundations of multiplication
- Measure and estimate lengths in standard units
- Work with time and money
|
Third Grade
| Reading Standards | Math Skills |
- Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding
- Refer to parts of stories, dramas, and poems
- By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature
| - Multiply and divide (1-100)
- Solve problems involving the four operations
- Develop understanding of fractions
- Understand geometric concepts like perimeter and area
|
Fourth Grade
| Reading Standards | Math Skills |
- Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem
- Make connections between the text of a story or drama and a visual or oral presentation of the text
- Compare and contrast the treatment of similar themes and topics
| - Generate and analyze patterns
- Understand whole numbers and fractions
- Understand concepts of angles and measuring angles
- Understand place values
|
Fifth Grade
| Reading Standards | Math Skills |
- Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events
- Describe how a narrator's or speaker's point of view influences how events are described
- Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points
| - Understand concepts of volume
- Multiply and divide fractions
- Reason abstractly and quantitatively
|
In addition to core standards, parents should also examine accreditation and academic policies. Whether you're researching private, public, or charter schools online, review the following:
- Curricula plans for each grade level
- Grading rubrics
- Regional and national accreditation
- Testing benchmarks
- Required study materials
| Academics Checklist | - Is the school aligned with my state's core standards?
- Who has accredited this school?
|
Faculty
Most online programs should use either state certified teachers or teachers with advanced degrees in their field. In order to be state-certified, the state's Department of Education certifies the teacher after determining that they meet professional behavior and training standards. You may even find that an online school's instructors hold local teaching awards and certifications. Some online schools post information regarding their teachers' accomplishments and credentials.
Students may also have access to coaches or a mentor who oversees all coursework for a child and who should be in regular contact with parents. Check with the school to see what they offer for students.
| Faculty Checklist | - How many teachers are accredited?
- Are there coaches or other specialized instructors available to students?
- Does the school have teacher profiles available?
|
Interface and Technology
Technology plays a prominent role in a child's development and professional prospects to come. In a dedicated online environment, children learn how to interact with teachers and peers using virtual classrooms, interactive activities, and online lessons. Schools will also often merge online learning with hands-on learning for a more balanced academic experience.
You can expect that your child will use some of the following educational interfaces online: video chat sessions, interactive quizzes, and digital classrooms. Help your child prepare for this experience and make sure your home computer's hardware and web access meet the program's minimum technology requirements. Most school websites will have a page like this one outlining these requirements.
| Technology Checklist | - What LMS does the school use?
- What technical support does the school offer?
- What is required to get started?
|
Course assignments and exams are typically submitted through the school's learning management system (LMS). Online students can also use course textbooks, PDFs, and videos to complete their assignments. Further guidance may be provided through online forums, text chats, and interactive discussions.
The Online Learning Experience
Online elementary schools take different approaches to lesson deployment and assignment collection but most assignments are completed and submitted online, with multiple opportunities to seek out help from instructors. Schools also heavily rely on parents to act as student coaches and to facilitate learning in the home.
Because learning is highly individualized in the early grades, many schools offer a flexible schedule that works for the family and the learner, like this sample schedule from a K12.com student.
Social Opportunities
Many online elementary schools host local school functions and field trips so your child can interact with their peers. Parents might want to enroll their children in extracurricular activities or mixed-format schools to supplement their child's social and physical development.
| Extracurricular Checklist | - What opportunities are provided for offline connections and learning?
- Does the school offer hand-on learning classes like art, music, or science labs?
- How frequently does the school provide field trips?
|
Instructors can lead students in group discussions with live text- or video-based chat sessions. These media platforms can expand your child's group learning opportunities, helping them practice team-building and collaborative skills with peers. Many online schools offer real-world social activities and field trips, so your child can regularly interact with peers. Additionally, seek out local opportunities for learning like clubs, sports teams, and local attractions like museums.
Applying to Schools
Once you've collected a list of prospective online elementary schools it is time to begin applying. Here are some common materials you'll need to gather before enrolling your student.
- Obtain your child's proof of age, such as a birth certificate or passport. This will help the online school determine what grade your child will be enrolled in. For example, children five years of age before the start of the school year are usually enrolled in kindergarten.
- Provide your proof of residence. Proof of residence can include rental or utility payment statements. Most public schools only offer tuition-free education to residents of the state in which the school is based.
- Immunization and health forms. Your child's enrollment may be contingent on having up-to-date medical records and immunizations. If you need to file for exemptions based on religious reasons, check with the school to see if you need to file additional paperwork with the Department of Education.
- Submit your child's academic history. If you are enrolling your child in a new school, the new school might require a previous year's report cards or transcripts.
- Complete the online application forms and attach all required documents.
- Watch for a confirmation email once you submit an application. If you don't receive one, contact the school.
Note: If your child is applying to a private school, examine the school's website for scholarship and funding opportunities. Scholarship applications often have additional requirements, such as previous schoolwork examples, student essays, or interviews. Mark scholarship deadlines on your calendar so your family does not miss out on funding opportunities.
Enrolling and Starting Classes
Once your child is accepted into an online elementary school program, you will need to take steps to enroll them in classes, chat with instructors, adjust to their schedule, and see how a daily workflow looks. Below are lists of things to consider before and after school begins.
Before Classes Start
- Full-time student enrollment: Online schools often design full lesson plans based on your child's grade level. Make sure the school has your child registered in the correct grade level.
- Blended class enrollment: Often this format requires you to register on a course-by-course basis, since your child may be supplementing their education with a single course or taking several part-time classes. Sign up for these courses as soon as possible, before they fill up.
- Examine the school's required supplies and technology lists. If the school does not provide these items, you will need to purchase them before classes begin.
- Work with your child to test out new technology. Practice logging in and navigating the school's web portal.
After Classes Start
- Sit with your child as they get started and help them with navigation or technical issues during their school day. Elementary students are generally less familiar with the web-interfaces online classes rely upon and the technological skills they learn now will be valuable later on.
- Assist your child with turning in assignments. Regardless of whether you plan to keep your elementary student in online programs through middle school, it's important that you help them to establish time management skills and self-directed learning habits early!
- Log in to the school's grading portal and monitor your child's performance. Precise digital logs of graded assignments can improve student accountability and help parents identify areas needing improvement. Some homework is automatically graded online, logging scores quickly for review.
- Schedule parent conferences with instructors. Have discussions regarding your child's academic development.
Additional Resources
General Resources
Accreditation Resources
Resources for Parents
Online Tutoring
FAQs
Many offline courses struggle to maintain student interest throughout the semester. According to the Research Institute of America, this is not the case with eLearning. On the other side, online courses have increased student retention rates by anywhere from 25–60%.
Has online school been effective? ›
Many offline courses struggle to maintain student interest throughout the semester. According to the Research Institute of America, this is not the case with eLearning. On the other side, online courses have increased student retention rates by anywhere from 25–60%.
Is online learning good for elementary students? ›
Yes, online learning is ideal for kids that are both excelling in their class and those that require assistance. Some kids are visual learners, while others learn at their own pace. Online learning platforms provide a non-judgmental and communicative way of imparting the right skills to your children.
Why does online school give so much homework? ›
They give out many assignments to make sure that kids are actually comprehending the material. Teachers want their students to be able to fully understand the topics they are learning. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, there were a lot more ways to understand what was being taught when students were actually at school.
Why is online school harder than in-person? ›
The Importance of Self-Discipline. In general, an online course will require far more self-discipline and motivation than an offline course because students must put forth more effort to manage time and workload. Students will need to develop strong organizational strategies in order to succeed.
What is the failure rate of online school? ›
The success rate for online classes is only 50 percent as opposed to 75 percent for face-to-face courses. Students who are struggling in a course are more likely to become discouraged and drop out. It is important to seek out help before you get “lost” in the course and lose motivation to continue.
What is the success rate of online school? ›
19. In 2020, the graduation rate for K-12 students was just 54.6% The National Education Policy Center Report 2021 found that the graduation rates of K-12 was significantly lower with just 54.6% of virtual schools and 64.3% in blended schools when the overall average of national graduation rate is 85%.
Do kids learn better online? ›
Some students do as well in online courses as in in-person courses, some may actually do better, but, on average, students do worse in the online setting, and this is particularly true for students with weaker academic backgrounds. Students who struggle in in-person classes are likely to struggle even more online.
Is online school easier than in school? ›
For some people, online programs are easier because they offer a flexible schedule. In addition, people with great time management skills and a sense of responsibility can excel in online classes. However, online education may be more challenging for those who enjoy learning in a classroom environment.
Is online school better for mental health? ›
Learning from home may allow students to learn in a more comfortable environment. Students who experience bullying, anxiety, discrimination, or harassment may find that online learning benefits their mental health.
Students sometimes feel online learning is impersonal, isolating, and non-interactive. They sometimes feel their online teachers are not particularly interested in neither them nor the instructional process. “Quality of professors varies widely. Some are great, some are not so great.
Is online school worse for learning? ›
Research, where it exists, shows consistently worse educational outcomes for online schools than for traditional public schools. Students in cyber schools do their coursework mostly from home and over the internet, with teachers often located in different states and time zones.
Why online school is a problem? ›
Lack of Motivation
Most students start online classes pumped and ready to go, but as the courses progress, they find that they're no longer motivated to even attend classes. Due to the lack of face-to-face interaction, some students find it hard to focus during online classes.
What percentage of people prefer online school? ›
According to researchers, 65 percent of students preferred in-person instruction, compared to 18 percent who prefer a hybrid model and 9 percent who reported they'd rather learn remotely.
How many students prefer online school? ›
Online classes were slightly more popular among undergraduates, at four-year colleges, and at public institutions. 75% of undergraduates took at least one course online, versus 71% of graduate students. 76% of students at four-year schools and 69% of students at two-year schools took at least one course online.
Why do people like online school better? ›
Convenience and flexibility: As an online student, you can study anytime anywhere. There are no physical class sessions. Online learning a good option for students who need to balance their work and family commitments.
What is the bad side of online school? ›
The classic disadvantages of online learning center around technical problems. Nothing disrupts an online lesson more than audio, video, or connection issues. Many times in the past, students were required to download and/or install cumbersome apps or technology that would deliver inconsistent performances.
Is it possible to fail online school? ›
To answer the question from the headline, yes — you can fail a grade at an online school.
Why is online school less stressful? ›
Online education is less stressful because of the natural flexibility built into the programs. There's no waking up for 7am classes or rushing through traffic to get to class on time. The programs are designed to be flexible, which allows students to learn at their own pace.
What is the average age of online students? ›
The average online student is 32 years old
The average age of an online student is 32 years old, which indicates that the online student population includes parents, professionals and everyone in between, all looking to continue their education by pursuing their master's or earning their first postsecondary degree.
One of the many advantages of online schools is that they will require less time from you compared to traditional schools. But then again, it is highly dependent on the online school that you or your child is enrolled in. On average, students spend four hours online.
How many students struggle with online school? ›
We found that during the transition to remote learning, 67% of students experienced struggle. The most reported struggles included: shifts in class format, effective study habits, time management, and increased external commitments.
Is online learning better for kids with anxiety? ›
Is online school better for anxiety? Online learning can be one of the best school alternatives for anxiety and benefit students in several ways. Students can progress at their own pace, and learn in an environment free from social drama and other distractions.
Is online school better for kids with ADHD? ›
However, some children with ADHD may respond positively to some of the changes. For example, virtual learning may provide fewer distractions for children who find it more difficult to tune out other people around them. More structured classrooms with more distance between students might help some children focus.
Why do kids prefer online classes? ›
Similar to the flexibility component, many students prefer online learning to traditional schooling because they are able to work at their own pace. You don't have to be afraid to work ahead or feel discouraged if you want to take more time on a particular subject or topic.
Is switching to online school worth it? ›
Online programs are absolutely worth it, depending on the student's circ*mstances. Contrary to popular belief, online programs are not easier than on-campus programs. Online programs aren't necessarily more affordable, but they can be.
Does online school improve grades? ›
Broader impacts of online learning
These papers find common themes: Students in online courses generally get lower grades, are less likely to perform well in follow-on coursework, and are less likely to graduate than similar students taking in-person classes.
Is online school more stressful? ›
Attending classes online was more stressful than in-person or hybrid instruction for college students early in the COVID-19 pandemic, and teens who learned online reported poorer mental health and lower school satisfaction and academic performance, according to two new studies.
Is online school better for kids with social anxiety? ›
Online learning gives students the freedom to work on their own time, at their own pace. For students with social anxiety who struggle doing simple tasks, this is especially helpful because they can slow down without feeling like they're trailing behind their classmates.
Should I do online school if I have anxiety? ›
There are many reasons why an online school may be better for students with anxiety. First, online schools allow students to work in familiar environments. This can help put students at ease and make it easier for them to handle difficulties or frustrations with school material.
42% of companies that use e-learning generate more income.
| Pros of Online Learning | Cons of Online Learning |
|---|
| Flexibility | Less Social Interaction |
| Affordability | Limited Course Availability |
| Individualization | Requires High Degree of Self Discipline |
Jan 10, 2023
Virtual Learning Can Cause Fatigue
It's more challenging for students to learn new information, and even though they just sit in front of the computer, they feel physically tired. Virtual learning fatigue is real, and it may lead to anxiety and stress for both students and professors.
How did online school negatively affect students? ›
It decreases the growth of communication skills and results in increased social isolation. This social isolation results in various health and mental issues like stress, poor sleep, anxiety, depression, and negative thoughts.
Do colleges not like online school? ›
However, most colleges do not discriminate against students who have done their high school education online. That being said, some colleges may be more likely to accept students who have done online high school than others.
Does online school make anxiety worse? ›
Study shows remote students face more stress, exhaustion than those in classroom. The survey last fall of more than 10,000 students in 12 U.S. high schools, including Yonkers, found that students who'd spent time in the classroom reported lower rates of stress and worry than their online peers.
What do kids think of online school? ›
A majority of teens say online learning is either worse or much worse than in-person schooling. Most teens prefer in-person school to online school, both for the academic and social aspects. A majority (59 percent) of teens say online learning is worse or much worse than in-person schooling.
What are the 5 disadvantages of online classes? ›
What are the 5 disadvantages of online classes?
- Lack of face-to-face interaction.
- Difficulty staying motivated.
- Limited access to resources and support.
- Technical difficulties.
- Isolation.
What are the Biggest Challenges of Online Education Today?
- Lack of Motivation in Students.
- Infrastructural Problems.
- Digital Literacy and Technical Issues.
- Lack of In-person Interaction.
- Lack of EdTech and Online Learning Options for Special Needs of Students.
- Course Structure and Quality.
Youth participating in virtual learning also reported feeling less social connection and higher rates of mental health problems, in comparison to their peers who could attend school in-person or in a hybrid model.
What are the risks of online learning? ›
Online classes are more vulnerable to cyberattacks compared to traditional classes, specifically from an endpoint security, privacy and process perspective. Cyberrisk that can jeopardize the safety of online learners includes: Malicious software. Hacking, ransomware and denial of service attacks.
In-person learning allows you to interact with other learners and instructors in a physical setting. This provides opportunities to learn firsthand through seeing and acting. Face-to-face interaction is essential for greater clarity and understanding than online training.
Do students learn better online or in a classroom statistics? ›
On average, students can retain 25% to 60% more information when learning online compared to 8% to 10% when in the classroom.
Is online learning as good as face to face? ›
Elearning is consistent – Classroom experiences largely depend on the instructor. The same course material can be delivered by two different facilitators with vastly different impacts on the learners. Elearning online training ensures a level of consistency that is not achievable with face to face learning.
Is online school becoming more popular? ›
As demand for online education has grown, the market has become increasingly competitive, with providers vying for attention from a broad set of prospective students. From 2011 to 2021, the number of learners reached by massive open online courses (MOOCs) increased from 300,000 to 220 million.
Are online schools harder? ›
Because online classes cover the same or similar material, typically in the same amount of time as traditional classes, they are not harder. The only thing that can make an online class seem harder is the amount of reading and communication they require.
How do people feel about online learning? ›
In 2020, only 25 percent of continuers and 19 percent of new students thought online courses were better quality; but now, 37 percent of continuers (a plurality) and 29 percent of new students believe online courses are better.
Why physical classes are better than online classes? ›
Interactive Learning
Physical classrooms involve interacting with different teachers face to face, ask more questions if there is any confusion in a topic. Moreover, it allows students to interact with their peers. This builds up their team working and team-building skills.
Why do people go to school online? ›
Online courses allow students to learn at their own pace on their own schedule, which is an approach to studying known as asynchronous learning. This format empowers students to take notes, review lectures, and go over other course materials in a way that works best for them.
What is the difference between virtual school and homeschool? ›
With homeschooling, it's typically the parents who are in charge of the child's curriculum, the materials they use, scheduling, and teaching. With virtual schooling, students have teachers, just as they would in a traditional school setting. The only difference is simply that the teaching is done over the internet.
Was online learning effective during the pandemic? ›
Related: How higher education lost its shine
Much of the pre-pandemic research into online higher education concluded that students in online programs did worse than students in in-person courses, with lower grades, higher dropout rates and poorer performance in subsequent classes.
Online enrollment rose to 170% of its pre-pandemic level in 2020-21, then nudged up further to 176% in 2021-22, according to numbers from 10 states.
Is online learning better than face to face? ›
Elearning is consistent – Classroom experiences largely depend on the instructor. The same course material can be delivered by two different facilitators with vastly different impacts on the learners. Elearning online training ensures a level of consistency that is not achievable with face to face learning.
Do teachers prefer online learning? ›
More than three-fourths of the teachers preferred online teaching during the pandemic, and most preferred both physical and mixed teaching in the post-pandemic era.
Why is online school better? ›
A Safe, Comfortable Environment
With online classes, students have fewer social distractions — a learning advantage when in middle school or high school. Instead of focusing on their appearance or friends sitting just inches away, students focus on the work in front of them.
Is online education more effective than traditional learning? ›
More Social Interaction and Collaboration:
The traditional education model allows students to interact with each other in and outside of school. But those are mainly face-to-face or telephonic interactions. Online learning model allows further interaction by providing an online platform for discussions.
Is online school better for kids with anxiety? ›
Children with anxiety may thrive in online schooling because they can complete their education at home without the pressure of a classroom. With that in mind, web-based instruction isn't ideal for everyone.
What are the disadvantages of online classes? ›
What are the 5 disadvantages of online classes?
- Lack of face-to-face interaction.
- Difficulty staying motivated.
- Limited access to resources and support.
- Technical difficulties.
- Isolation.
We learned that the online classroom gave him catch-up time, within a welcoming space, in which he could build English language skills. Developing friendships, relationships and furthering educational goals all came easier to him when the confusion of a new language was eased, and he was able to learn at his own pace.
How does online learning affect elementary students during COVID-19? ›
Youth participating in virtual learning also reported feeling less social connection and higher rates of mental health problems, in comparison to their peers who could attend school in-person or in a hybrid model.
Is online education cheaper? ›
Because online education is cheaper than going to a physical classroom, students have the opportunity to choose a college from anywhere in the country. In fact, many online universities don't charge out-of-state tuition.
Face-to-face communication is often more effective than written or audio-only conversations. This is because seeing one another allows us to pick up on nonverbal cues and body language. And because a lot of communication is nonverbal, being able to see each other helps us understand each other better.
