You're thinking about your schedule of classes for next year, and you would really like to take AP Music Theory. The only problem is that your high school doesn't offer that class. So you decide to include AP Biology instead. However, the lab for this class meets twice per week, and you simply do not have enough room in your schedule for that. What do you do now?
No matter what your circumstances or your interests are, there is a solution to these and other scheduling dilemmas: distance education. Of course, taking Internet-based courses at the precollege level can have both pros and cons, so keep reading to decide if virtual learning is for you.
Positive Aspects of Distance Education
Independence and Time Management
Students who take courses online often hone their ability to work on their own, and they also gain experience in managing their time efficiently. With nobody to stand over them and make them work, virtual learners tend to develop these skills more quickly than if they were to learn strictly in a traditional classroom.
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A Flexible Schedule
Only so many class periods are available in a single school day, and some students already have jam-packed course loads. Distance education provides these high achievers with the opportunity to take classes outside regular school hours. By taking courses online, students have the flexibility to explore all their areas of interest.
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Advanced and Specialized Classes
In many cases, small schools and rural schools simply cannot provide advanced or specialized classes. Virtual education gives students the chance to gain experience in areas that would otherwise remain out of reach.
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Emphasis on the Written Word
Strong writing skills are essential to success in secondary and higher education as well as in the workplace. Distance education teaches students to communicate more effectively through writing, because the questions they ask and the work they complete is based almost solely on the written word. Virtual learning clearly gives students the opportunity to develop as writers.
Problematic Aspects of Distance Education
Lack of Face-to-Face Interaction
Some educators argue that both teacher-student and student-student contact are integral to the learning process, and online classes eliminate these elements of education altogether. Also, students who excel at class participation need to consider that this piece of the learning puzzle will be missing as well.
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Poor-Quality Programs
The number of distance-learning programs is increasing rapidly, and educators are concerned that many online courses fail to provide valid educational experiences. Students must be sure to fully research any distance-education program before signing on. Participating in a weak program will only lead to a waste of time, effort, and money.
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The Need to Self-Start
Distance education truly lets students make their own schedules. Those who have a hard time with self-motivation will undoubtedly have trouble in this type of educational setting. Procrastinators beware.
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Emphasis on the Written Word
The heavy focus on writing can be a plus of distance education for some. However, for those students who struggle with writing, it can be a major negative. If writing is a serious weakness, virtual learning may not be the best educational option.
While distance education may be the perfect alternative for some students, it's not the right choice for everyone. So carefully consider your unique needs and interests and weigh the positive and negative aspects of virtual learning before you sign on.
