We are all familiar with traditional high schools because we’ve grown up studying that way. However, with the internet today, we now have new ways of learning online. This has resulted in the setting up of online schools that are based on cutting-edge technologies, which allow students to learn from virtually anywhere they want. Since online schools are relatively new, it is important to understand how an online high school differs from a traditional high school.
Online learning vs Physical classrooms
Traditional schools are physical, brick-and-mortar institutions that use classrooms to impart education. This involves students physically attending classes by going to school every day. On the contrary, online schools use technology platforms to deliver their course curriculum online. All students need is a computer and an internet connection.
They can attend classes online anywhere, anytime to complete their coursework. Online schools provide students with a comprehensive, accredited curriculum that can be accessed completely online. This ensures that the diplomas and degrees awarded by such schools are on par with those offered by traditional schools.
Flexible scheduling
With traditional high schools, students are required to attend school in person every day based on a fixed schedule. Traveling to school can also be cumbersome during inclement weather (for example, on snow-days), causing students to miss school. In addition to that, students are limited by the options available at their local school when selecting Elective courses.
With online high schools, all students need is access to an internet connection. This allows them to access their course material from virtually anywhere, which gives them immense flexibility in scheduling their study-time. This allows students to study at their own pace and complete their coursework online in a timely manner. Additionally, online platforms provide students with a wider selection of Elective courses, which empowers them to pursue their own interests rather than be limited by the options available at their local school.
Accountability
In traditional high schools, accountability rests entirely with the school authorities. They are responsible for ensuring that students get to their classes on time and don’t slack off. They are the ones who set the timetables for students and ensure that those timetables are adhered to. School authorities are also responsible for ensuring that adequate time is set aside for physical activities such as gym and sports. Furthermore, with traditional high schools, socializing is implicit since students are required to interact with each other on a daily basis.
With online high schools, since students are free to study from wherever they choose, accountability rests entirely with their parents. Online platforms allow students to study at their own pace, which is why parents need to make sure they have timetables in place for their children to follow. They also need to ensure that their children stick to their timetables, if they are to complete their coursework within the stipulated timelines. Also, parents need to set aside playtime for their children as well as make time for their children to socialize with other children.
Teacher support
In traditional schools, it is extremely difficult for a teacher to cater to the learning needs of each and every student in the classroom. Therefore, certain students who may need special guidance may feel left out and this typically results in reduced interest in their studies.
With online learning platforms however, like the one designed by The Ogburn Online School, students have access to all the support they need via an integrated Message Center. This online Message Center is located in the student portal itself and is available to students 24/7.
Since teachers have the flexibility to respond in a more comprehensive manner via online platforms, this allows them to spend more time addressing each student’s individual needs, resulting in a more holistic approach to educating students.
Multiple options
Traditional high schools offer limited options for students with specific needs (for example, student-athletes). Since they have to adhere to a fixed schedule and attend school during fixed school timings, these students may find it difficult to dedicate the necessary time to develop their special skills without compromising on their education. They also lose a considerable amount of time traveling to school on a daily basis – time that could otherwise be spent on developing other skills.
Online high schools overcome all these obstacles by allowing students to study from wherever they choose. They are not restricted by physical location nor are they constrained by fixed school timings. They can study at their own pace whenever they choose. Moreover, students with specific needs are given compete freedom over their personal schedules, which allows them to pursue other interests without compromising on their education in any way.
Tuition costs & accessibility
When it comes to education costs, inflation and student-debt are the important aspects people are talking about. With the rise in tuition costs, a high-quality education in a traditional school is slowly getting out of reach for the average person. Plus, there are other costs associated with accessing and maintaining physical infrastructure for traditional high schools.
At such times, online schools are proving to be a very viable and cost-effective solution for students seeking to gain a high-quality education. With the help of technology, they can access their coursework from virtually anywhere, and at very affordable costs. All they need is access to an internet connection.
Making The Right Choice
At the end of the day, deciding whether to opt for an online education depends entirely on a student’s personal needs and preferences. Online platforms offer students a wide range of advantages over traditional schools such as immense flexibility and convenience, a wide range of course options, interactive and engaging learning tools, better teacher support, improved accessibility, and most of all – affordability.
If you’d like to know more about how an online high school like The Ogburn Online School can benefit you, contact us.
