Ten years ago, the term online schooling might not be very appealing; just like the iron horses in the early part of the 19th century or an airplane in the beginning of the 20th century. Internet was still underdeveloped in 1996 compared to what we have now. And the conventional today may not be acceptable by the general population in 1996.
But we don’t live in 1996 anymore. We are now in the era where everything is possible and acceptable. Just like studying outside the school, in front of your computer at the very comforts of your home. This is called online schooling.
Thinking of entering online schooling can arouse discomfort for some. This is quite understandable since it is not the usual way of learning just like those people who have tried airplane as a way to travel for the first time. However, with the reputation online schools are gaining, the way students learn is transforming in an “unconventional way”.
If you are one of those students who are considering this relatively new form of learning, here are the things you should know- the pros and cons of online schooling:
Pros
Whether you live in the most remote town in the United States (provided you have an internet connection) or at the top of the tallest building in your city, you can always be on time to study your lessons. Online schooling eliminates the time you have to prepare to dress up for school. It also removes the time you have to spend sitting on the taxi or waiting for the green light. With online schooling, your home and your classroom are the same.
For people who need to attend important things around the home, online schooling works best. For instance: you have a baby to take care of or you have a several things that must be done around the house. If before you have to find ways to squeeze all the items in your “to-do-list” for one whole day, now online schooling will give you more time on other things as it eliminates the time you have to spend on preparation for school.
When you get online schooling, the classroom is all yours. You don’t have to fight on your seat, you don’t have to get along with a group, and you don’t have to be nice or rude to others.
Cons
There are many online schools to choose from. The question is: would you be able to land on a job after you have spent all your time and money on your chosen online school? One advice is: do research on the competency of several online schools and consider the credit they can give once you step into the working world.
Can you learn on your own or should you require a board and a talking professor to absorb the lesson? There are some students who are better studying alone. There are some who are not. If you think you are capable of learning without the need of the actual classroom discussion, then you can consider online schooling.
Is your home fit for studying? Can you concentrate with all the destructions you can get in your home? Many homes are not fit to become a school. It may be because there are children around, or the neighborhood’s dogs are always barking, or your home is simply not conducive to learning.
All these only say one thing: home schooling is not for everyone. Do more research and consideration before entering home schooling program. If you think you are fit and you can benefit more on home schooling, then it is all up to you.