Time management, lack of discipline, less direct contact, and less accountability and feedback from peers and educators are all ways that show that virtual schooling is not the best choice of education. Traditional education makes sure that students are able to learn from structured schooling. Although virtual schooling may have advantages, it does not always help students get the results they want. Online learning programs typically serve students of all ages and learning backgrounds. Most online learning programs focus on serving high school students, college, or higher. Online learning can be delivered in different ways (Lips). Students can take part in online learning through synchronous instruction or asynchronous instruction. Synchronous …show more content…
Some examples of pros are flexibility and the ability to concentrate. Online learning can provide students with greater flexibility in when and how they learn (Lips). This allows students and families to use their time more effectively to pursue other interests and activities. The flexibility of online learning can benefit students who have particular challenges in their education, such as those who have fallen behind in their studies (Lips). Students have reported that online courses are easier to concentrate in because they are not distracted by other students and classroom activity. It has been shown that studying in a loud or noisy environment makes it difficult to concentrate. Online courses may offer more introverted students the opportunity to participate in class discussions or chats with more simplicity than face-to-face class sessions (10 Advantages to taking online Classes). These advantages may provide students with more flexibility and the ability to concentrate, but that does not mean virtual schooling is the best …show more content…
Along with pros and cons, there are differences in virtual schools and traditional schools. Such as parental involvement and learning environments. Parental involvement, for example at a traditional school is usually limited to things like reviewing homework and attending parent teacher conferences (Werrell). Some schools may have opportunities to volunteer or to chaperone field trips, but these involvements usually decrease as children move into middle and high school. With online schooling, parents have many options for being involved in their children’s education (Werrell). Parents may choose to support learning by constructing the student’s daily routine or reviewing lessons and grades as often as they wish. Parents can play an active role by helping monitor attendance, progress, and comprehension (Werrell). One more difference in virtual and traditional that plays a role in a student’s education is their learning environment. Unlike traditional schools, online schooling offers parents the ability to control their child’s learning environment (Werrell). Parents can ensure that their student is learning in a secure atmosphere that is free from bullying, peer pressure, and popularity issues that are sometimes found in a traditional classroom setting. In addition, learning at home may offer fewer distractions allowing students to focus more easily and get the most out of their time (Werrell). Differences such as parental involvement and learning environments are two