The shift from traditional classrooms to online platforms and online learning has become a defining aspect of K-12 (kindergarten to grade 12) education. The main difference between traditional and online education is that the first one forces students to fit into it. In contrast, online education caters to different learning styles and adapts to each student.
We uncover the 13 great benefits of K-12 online learning compared to traditional classroom learning, shedding light on the advantages that have propelled online education to the forefront of modern pedagogy.
Benefits of Online Learning
The major benefit of online schooling is that it lets students try different ways of learning while still getting a good education. In traditional schools, a child must fit into a single learning model defined by the institution. And we all know that not all kids are the same. With online education, things are more flexible.
Online schools adapt to each student’s needs and different learning styles, allowing different types of students to do well in their studies and thrive academically. This form of education also erases the borders. You can get a good education no matter where you live.
1. Flexibility and Accessibility
Online learning offers unparalleled flexibility, letting students choose when and how they want to learn. Everything they need is online, so they can study whenever they want. They can study on the platform, attend online classes, do homework, or take tests anytime, which means they can plan their school day how they like.
The asynchronous nature of online courses allows students to learn whenever they have time and not during the predefined timeframe, as is the case in traditional classrooms. This helps all kinds of students to learn in a way that works best for them.
2. Personalized Learning Paths
Online students can tailor their education to their personal needs. They can start the grade any time of the year and progress at their own speed, which is different from the fixed pace of traditional schools. Even though each grade officially lasts 10 months, online students can finish quicker or take more time as they like.
The curriculum consists of core and elective subjects. Online schools offer a much wider choice of electives because they are not bound by the number of students that attend them. That allows online students to study something they genuinely like or are passionate about. In high school, these electives can be a solid foundation for future studies.
3. Broadened Educational Access
Another advantage of online learning is that it erases geographical boundaries. Students worldwide can access high-quality K-12 education from the comfort of their homes. They don’t have to move to a different city or travel around the globe to the US to study in an American school.
Our online school is for students in cities and far-away places with fewer resources. Everyone gets the same lessons, live classes, and fun activities online, no matter where they live.
4. Enhanced Student Engagement
Multimedia elements on online learning platforms use fun videos, educational games, and interactive tools to keep students interested in the learning material. Courses are designed to lean on student’s curiosity, capture their attention, and make lessons easier to understand and remember.
For instance, visual learners can watch pre-recorded videos or graphics and photos, while auditory learners can listen to an audio lesson instead of reading it. Likewise, students can explore additional resources or use different tools such as a translator or dictionary that can additionally help.
5. Real-World Applications
Online learning often incorporates real-world applications of academic concepts, showing kids how things they learn apply in the real world. This hands-on approach helps them see why what they learn is important and how to use it in real life.
Besides that, the online curriculum is updated each year without exceptions. Therefore, students learn the concepts that are meaningful and relevant for the day and age we live. On the other hand, the books students use in traditional schools are often outdated.
6. Immediate Feedback Benefit
With online learning you get immediate feedback on your child progress through courses. Likewise, the student gets almost instant results on most quizzes and assessments. That prompt respons helps students know what to work on to get better. Besides this feedback on the platform, parents can always book a meeting with an assigned tutor to discuss their child’s progress and future actions that will improve their grades.
7. Customizable Learning Environment
Online learning allows students to create a learning environment that suits their preferences. Whether finding the ideal study space, adjusting the pace of education, or choosing the most comfortable learning tools, customization contributes to a positive and practical learning experience.
The environment in which the students study can affect everything, from the time they spend learning to how well they acquire and retain the knowledge. In this day and age, people travel a lot, so students can temporarily have their “study space” even in hotel rooms, airports, cruise ships, etc.
8. Increased Student Autonomy
Students in online schools develop crucial skills in time management, self-discipline, and self-motivation. They polish their spoken and written communication skills and become familiar with emailing and video-call tools and apps widely used in businesses today. These skills help them do well in school and prepare for college or work. So, having this independence is a big plus of online learning.
9. Expanded Learning Resources
The digital landscape opens up many learning resources beyond traditional textbooks. Online libraries, multimedia content, and educational apps enrich the learning experience, providing students with diverse perspectives and dynamic materials.
Our learning platform provides students with additional, adequate, and proven resources to broaden their knowledge of a particular subject. They can explore a certain topic on a broader level than the one offered in the standard curriculum.
10. Tailored Support for Diverse Learning Styles
Online schools use different teaching methodologies so all learners can understand the material. Whether a student learns best by seeing, hearing, or doing, online lessons incorporate texts, videos, audio lessons, and other interactive elements. Plus, there are group and individual classes, that help everyone learn better and feel included.
11. Cost-Efficiency
Online learning often translates to cost savings for both institutions and students. Reduced expenses on physical infrastructure, transportation, and printed materials contribute to a more cost-efficient educational model. Additionally, our school has several tuition fee packages that fit different family budgets and allow families to pay in monthly installments.
12. 24/7 Access to Learning Materials
With 24/7 access to learning materials, online schooling offers a learning experience beyond the traditional school day. Students can access the material whenever they want and revisit it anytime. That is excellent for students with different study rhythms because the school adapts to them, not vice versa.
This non-stop accessibility of the learning material enables students to pursue hobbies or have other obligations that will not interfere with the schooling schedule.
13. Improved Communication and Collaboration
Online students improve their communication skills through different activities. In traditional schools, classes are usually teacher-centered, whereas in online environments, classes are student-centered. In group classes, teachers encourage students to discuss the topic and share their opinions with others. Through extra-curricular activities, they learn how to collaborate with others and explore their personal interests.
Do not Underestimate the Power of Online K12 Schools
Online learning for K12 students started developing in the USA over two decades ago. Nowadays, even some traditional schools offer online programs because they understand that life today needs flexibility.
These 13 great benefits of online learning show that this form of education has its merits and that some students make remarkable progress through it. Good students were turned into excellent students, and even those considered lazy eventually picked up their pace and completed the school year with satisfying grades.
With the flexibility and individual approach to each student, online helps students become smart, capable, and self-confident.
Not sure if online K-12 school is right for your child? Let’s talk. Email us at admissions@eduww.net, and one of our educational consultants will help you understand how our online school can fit your child’s needs for a great online learning experience.
