Bulgarian
English
Approximate reading time: 1m 48s
But what is the reason for this? Why do parents prefer to take their children out of a system that has worked successfully for decades? Here are some of the most commonly cited reasons:
1. Online schools provide children with extra free time to develop their talents.
Until two decades ago, children in elementary schools were given almost no homework. But now it is different – students come home buried in assignments and are left with no free time to develop their talents – playing a musical instrument, drawing, sports, etc. Parents whose children attend an online school share that they finish their tasks much faster, since they are not distracted by conversations with a classmate, for example. And finishing school obligations earlier provides more time for a favorite activity.
2. Online schools help children avoid unpleasant situations.
Unpleasant situations such as bullying, poor teaching, or a controversial curriculum can make going to school a not-so-pleasant experience. Many parents whose children attend an online school report a positive effect both on educational progress and on emotional health.
3. Families have more free time.
School hours, after-school activities, and extracurricular activities do not allow families to spend enough time together. In online schools, this problem does not exist, and families have more free time to spend together.
4. Many online schools help children work at their own pace.
One of the drawbacks of the traditional classroom is that teachers have to teach at the class’s average pace and level. Thus, if a child has difficulty understanding a particular topic, they may fall behind because the teacher cannot give individual attention to all students. The opposite situation is also possible – if one of the children learns more easily and quickly, they may be bored for most of the time while their classmates try to reach their level.
5. Online schools help children become more independent.
By their very nature, online schools require greater independence from students, since they have to work on their own. Not all children can meet this challenge, but those who do will certainly be better prepared for the rest of their education.
6. Online schools help students develop technological skills.
Technological skills are of great importance in all fields of activity. Online students gain professional knowledge in internet communication and working with various types of software, such as learning management systems, word processing programs, online conferencing software, and more.
7. Families have a wider choice if they add schools that hold classes online to the list.
Many families feel pressured when choosing a school for their child, since the options convenient for them are usually few. With online schools, this problem does not exist. They are always “within arm’s reach,” and they also open up opportunities for developing different talents – acting, drawing, dancing, etc. In addition, the prices at many of these schools are quite reasonable. And some, such as publicly funded ones, do not even require tuition fees.
Source: .http://distancelearn.about.com/od/virtualhighschools/a/7-Reasons-To-Enroll-Your-Child-In-An-Online-Elementary-School.htm.
