Online education gives students the option to complete their schoolwork from virtually anywhere. Classes can be completed several ways, including on laptops or tablets, or even on smartphones, and are typically less expensive than traditional in-person education. More than 70% of students believe that online learning is more effective than a traditional classroom, and by 2027, the number of online students is targeted to reach one billion globally. So, what makes it so popular? Let’s explore the online school system.
Understanding the online school system
Online education (also known as distance learning) can be completed through an online public school, private school, or homeschool program. It offers convenience, savings, and independence to K–12 students who enroll in a full-time online environment, or a part-time hybrid learning environment where they meet face-to-face during the school year.
Online courses saw a rapid rise in popularity thanks to recent advances in technology, especially as lifestyles began to evolve and a global pandemic changed the way we lived forever. Today, online school or a hybrid school system is becoming the norm for nearly every grade level. However, while many institutions offer online options, not all meet the requirements for accreditation. Just like traditional school, you still need to do your research before deciding which online school is best for you.
How does online school work?
Online schools typically follow a structured curriculum designed to meet the same academic standards as traditional schools. It involves a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning, where students attend live virtual classes with their teachers and complete assignments on their own time. Additionally, students will spend time completing lessons, quizzes, and group projects, with the ability to work at their own pace to complete coursework.
The online platform used may include video lectures, interactive activities, and virtual discussions. Students also have access to digital textbooks and resources to support their learning. Teachers provide feedback and support through online communication tools, such as email or discussion boards. Parents or guardians play an important role in monitoring their child’s progress and providing assistance when needed.
Overall, online school allows students in grades K–12 to receive a quality education from the comfort of their own homes, while still maintaining a structured learning environment.
Online learning benefits
One of the major benefits to online learning is the flexibility it provides for students and their families, whether they move a lot, have health concerns, are traveling athletes, wish to pursue extracurricular goals, and much more. Additional benefits of online school learning include:
- Accessibility features and support for students with disabilities
- Personalized learning paths for strategic learning experiences and learning styles
- A broader course selection with diverse learning options and live classes
- Social interaction and extracurricular activities
- Flexible scheduling that allows them to manage their own time
- Convenience and lower costs
Online learning for different ages
Online learning for elementary students.
Engaging content, hands-on learning, emotional support, and parental involvement are vital at this stage of development. Online tools like websites and apps provide an interactive curriculum with engaging resources that allow collaboration between students and their guardians, as well as social interaction with other students in their class.
Online learning for middle school students.
Once they reach middle school, students become more independent and the balance of academic expectations and personal responsibility shift. The curriculum focuses more on building successful habits through skill development, critical thinking, time management, and problem solving. This is also where they’re introduced to advanced subjects, elective courses, extracurricular activities and clubs online.
Online learning for high school students
From freshman year to graduation, online high school students are preparing to apply for college and enter the job field through an advanced curriculum that includes college preparatory courses and career-oriented programs. With extracurricular activities, college applications, clubs, and volunteer work on their plates, time management, motivation, and support become crucial pillars of their education. Learning Success Coaches, instructors, and parents/guardians should be present every step of the way to provide ongoing support and promote long-term success.
Enrollment process and what to expect.
Signing up for online classes or enrolling in online or hybrid schools is simple, but the requirements differ slightly from a traditional environment. Students are required to have internet access via a tablet, laptop, or desktop, as well as parental involvement to help motivate and manage time. Check out the school website, talk with a staff member, or attend in-person or online information sessions to learn more about the school and the enrollment process.
Conclusion
Online education is a great alternative to a traditional classroom setting, especially for students and families who have unique needs and lifestyles. The move from online to in-person classes doesn’t have to be stressful—with the right tools, guidance, and support, your student can be set up for success from day one.
Navigate K–12 online education with confidence
ASU Prep Digital is an accredited Arizona online school program serving students in grades K–12. We believe all students can succeed. Our online school was ranked #1 in Arizona and our unique teaching model supports students anywhere, anytime with the latest learning technologies and several layers of personalized instruction and coaching.
In addition, our program is a college prep option where online high school and university courses converge preparing students for college acceptance and encouraging them to start earning credit toward college majors and careers. We support districts in Arizona, while serving students and schools around the world.
Take the first step toward transforming your educational experience by attending an information session. Discover how ASU Prep Digital can support students’ academic aspirations and set them on a path to success.
What is online school like? FAQs
How long is a day of online school?
A typical day of online school is structured similarly to a traditional school schedule, with classes starting at 8 a.m. and ending at 3:30 p.m. However, the flexible learning model allows students to work at their own pace and attend live virtual classes as well as complete self-paced coursework.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of online schooling?
Online school provides flexibility, diverse learning options, cost savings, and independent learning for students of all ages. Disadvantages can include lack of social interactions, low motivation, technological barriers, and time management issues.
How does social interaction work in online school?
Social interaction in online school can occur through various means, such as virtual group projects, discussion forums, and online events. While it may not be the same as face-to-face interactions, students still have the opportunity to collaborate and communicate with their peers. Online schools also often offer extracurricular activities and clubs that allow for socialization outside of academic coursework. However, it is important for students to make an effort to actively engage in these opportunities in order to maintain a sense of community within their virtual classrooms.
How do I enroll in online school?
Visit the website, attend in-person or online information sessions, or reach out to the school directly to learn more. As long as you have the required materials and support, the switch to online school is simple and exciting.
