Is Online Learning Right For You?

Is Online Learning Right For You? Here are Some Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Learning.

Choosing how your child will learn is a big decision, as are all choices that affect their education. Each child is different, and figuring out what is best for them can be difficult. In our current technological age, there are a growing number of opportunities that exist in regards to schooling, one of which is online learning. Here are a few advantages and disadvantages to think about if you are considering enrolling your child in online learning:

A Few Advantages… 

Technological Confidence. One of the obvious advantages is that online learning will boost your child’s familiarity with technology. By spending his school hours on a computer or tablet, your child is likely to increase their confidence and skills with gadgets. With the way of the future relying ever more on this technology, it is important they develop an aptitude for it. 

Online students enjoy learning from any environment as needed. This can be a great option for families needing more flexible learning opportunities for their children.

Flexibility. Another great advantage of online learning is the flexibility. With smartphones, tablets, and laptops, students can attend their classes from anywhere and often typically anytime. This means students could sit down to study at a time of day when it is easiest for them to focus or most convenient for their own daily schedule. 

Never Miss Out. Even if a child is unable to attend a certain time or for a scheduled meeting, classes are recorded, and thus the student does not have to miss out on the lesson. Or, if there is certain content the child is struggling with, it is easy to rewatch lectures to better grasp difficult concepts or to help refine their notes. 

Resources at Your Fingertips. With a simple click of a button, students can be zooming across the internet to search through a picture slideshow, read an article, or watch a video interview on the topics they are learning about. For those who do not have the accessibility of a nearby library, the internet can be a key source of finding the information they need, and they can do so without ever needing to leave the house. 

A Few Disadvantages…

Social Life. If a child is only in a digital classroom, they may not develop certain social skills that they otherwise would if they were in face-to-face classes. If you are considering online-learning, make sure to compensate for this by ensuring your child has time to develop friendships with other children their age in other venues. 

Connecting with a teacher despite learning over the internet, is still a priority for the Academy’s online learning program. Students receive feedback on assignments and have opportunities to interact directly with their course teachers as needed.

Screen Time. While screen time used for educational purposes is better than for pure entertainment, too much screen time can have negative impacts on a child’s mood and can even affect their sleep. It would be important for a parent to not only monitor the time a child spends using gadgets, but to make sure they know what the child is using the gadget for as well. 

Self-Discipline as a Prerequisite. An educational institution will likely have your child in mind when it comes to the workload they expect from your child, but it will be up to your child to have the self-discipline to actually put in the time and effort to get it done. Many children still lack the time-management skills necessary to put in the work needed to excel in their class. 

Attitudes Towards Learning. The techniques a teacher may utilize in a classroom to ensure the students are enjoying the educational experience often loses its effectiveness when applied to a large group video call. Capturing the joy and excitement of learning is difficult when the students are all separated by screens. This can negatively affect their attitudes concerning learning into the future. 

Sources: 

“Screen Time and Children.” American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Updated February 2020 (visited: 14 March 2022). https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Children-And-Watching-TV-054.aspx  

Tom. “5 Disadvantages to Consider About Online Education.” Petersons.com 29 November 2017 (visited 14 March 2022)  https://www.petersons.com/blog/5-disadvantages-to-consider-about-online-education/  

“8 Ways Online Learning Really Benefits Kids (and Parents).” Dreambox Learning. 5 November 2008. (visited 14 March 2022). https://www.dreambox.com/resources/blogs/8-ways-online-learning-really-benefits-kids-and-parents