Online high schools have witnessed an uptick in popularity over the past year. As the world experiences uncertainty over the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, some parents worried about the disruptive effects of moving kids back and forth between in-classroom learning and hastily built online platforms. Others preferred the safety of a dedicated all-online system.
In truth, though, online schools were gaining favour long before the pandemic. Some students felt more at home in an online setting, away from the social pressures and physical demands of a brick-and-mortar classroom. Others were attracted to the flexibility of online learning. And some preferred the self-paced approach, which helped individualize their learning experience.
As popular as it has become, many parents still have lingering questions about the relatively new concept. That’s understandable. With something as crucial as your kid’s education, it’s natural to be inquisitive. To help parents make an informed choice, this article answers a few frequently asked questions about e-Learning.
How Does It Work?
This is the question you hear most often from parents – for a good reason. Sure, you’ve heard the benefits of online schools, but how does it actually work?
While operations vary according to the school, let’s get a general sense of what to expect. An e-Learning school has a range of grade 9 to grade 12 courses you can complete online. Like a traditional school, they have dedicated, knowledgeable teachers on staff who answer questions, grade assignments and provide feedback. Unlike most traditional schools, the best online schools provide access to 24/7 tutoring.
When you enroll, you are given 12 months to complete an online course. You may choose to use the entire 12 months, or you can complete the course in four weeks if you want. The work is flexible and self-paced, meaning students absorb concepts and demonstrate their knowledge as they see fit.
Throughout the course, there are interactive activities and multimedia elements, as well as assessments and assignments. When students need to submit an assignment or formative work, they simply use a clearly marked, central submission box.
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Do Your Credits Count Toward a Diploma?
The short answer is “yes.” The long answer is: yes, provided that you attend a Ministry of Education inspected online school. It’s essential to choose an online high school that complies with Ministry policies and has received their Ministry Education letter.
Is It Just for High School-Aged Students?
No, online high school isn’t just for teenagers. In fact, many adults enroll in online schools to obtain their high school diploma retroactively, attend university and improve their career prospects.
Because online education is flexible, adults can integrate coursework within their busy work and home life schedules. Adults also don’t have to worry about sharing space with younger learners. They can take courses – fully supported by teachers, staff and tutors – from the comfort of their own home.
As online learning becomes increasingly mainstream, it’s worthwhile to inform yourself of how it works and what advantages it has. Hopefully, this article has answered a few of your questions.