Q&A: Is Online School Easier Than Traditional Education?
Answer: That really depends on the individual student's learning style. Some find the comfort and convenience of online schooling better suits their needs, while others may prefer the traditional structure of a classroom environment. Online students must stay motivated and be able to complete assignments independently. It is not uncommon for them to become distracted in a home setting. This is way it's important for younger students to have a consistent learning coach at home to help keep them on track and enforce good study habits.
In a classroom setting, students interact with their teacher everyday. If a student is having difficulty understanding content, they have the ability to immediately seek for assistance from the instructor or a peer. This face-to-face interaction can be necessary for students who have a difficult time staying motivated. In most cases, online students can also reach out to their instructor for help through email or the class website, but the response might take some time.
The rigor that occurs in any classroom depends on the teacher. Additionally, some subjects are more intensive than others regardless of the grade level or setting. While not for everyone, online instruction is a great option for self-motivated students who want to learn at their own pace or have difficulties learning in a traditional school environment.
Christi Wilson is a credentialed teacher of highly-gifted students in Northern Nevada. She has 11 years of classroom teaching experience, a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, a master’s degree in education leadership, and has even taught K-12 education online. A mother of three busy boys, she knows how important it is to keep students engaged in the classroom and interested in a lifetime of learning.