Online vs Traditional School: Choosing the Right School for your Child

Education

10-12

4 months ago

Online schools are educational institutions where the students are taught entirely or primarily online or through the use of the Internet. Online schooling is conducted with computers, laptops, or smartphones and a high-speed internet connection. This can be done through various online tools, such as video lectures, discussion forums, and multimedia resources, facilitating the learning process in the virtual environment.

On average, college students reduce their learning time by 40%-60% through online learning. In contrast, traditional school is often confined to four walls of the classroom where ‘students and teachers interact physically. In this article, we will learn about the difference between online and traditional schools in detail.

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Also Read | Homeschooling vs Traditional Schooling: Which is Better for the Student?

Difference between Online and Traditional Schools

Online vs Traditional Learning

Parents and students may get confused when selecting online and traditional schools. Therefore, it becomes important to consider a range of factors that distinguish these two educational approaches. Here is a list of differences between online and traditional schools that may help you select the right school.

Flexibility

Traditional schools follow a fixed routine requiring the presence of students which makes it less convenient for them in case of emergency or if they are located far from the institution. Moreover, the pre-determined pace required may be disadvantageous for the students.

On the other hand, online schools follow a more flexible schedule that does not require the presence of students along with resources that can be accessible anytime/anywhere. Moreover, it offers a self-paced learning environment allowing students to grasp concepts at their own pace, thereby cultivating an effective learning atmosphere. As per statistics, 63% of students in the US engage in online learning activities daily.

Parental Involvement

In traditional schools, the involvement of parents is less in day-to-day academics and is limited to parents teachers' meetings, reviewing homework and, and other school events. Therefore, the school in this case has a prominent role in the education of the child.

On the other hand, in the case of online school parents play a direct role in their child’s education. Often, parents can get real-time updates/progress reports of their children. They also play an active role in monitoring attendance and also provide additional support and supervision.

Cost

The cost attributed to infrastructure and other amenities is often reflected in students' tuition rate which makes traditional schools more expensive than online schools.

Due to lower operating costs for the institutions providing high-quality online education along with little or no transportation and study material costs, online schools are more affordable. Private institutions on average charge Rs. 50,40,000 for an online degree vs. Rs. 1,55,00,000 for an in-person degree.

Co-curricular Activities

Co-curricular activities are important for the holistic development of students focusing on social skills, leadership skills, creativity, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving skills.

Traditional schools usually organize co-curricular activities on campus whereas online schools conduct such activities through virtual clubs, interest groups, and organizations. However, online schools also actively organise offline events for students in studios, turfs, or school premises.

Thus, we can conclude online schools are advantageous for students who require more flexibility without burning a hole in their pocket. The new age of e-schooling aims to provide a single, refreshed education agenda that is holistic, creative, and aspirational, with no one left behind. Apart from academic excellence, the students are prepared for the world. This includes opportunities like participating in a variety of extracurricular activities during their time at school — like Dance, Theatre, Arts and crafts, and Physical Education programs.

In conclusion, while selecting the right school you must consider factors that are beyond the traditional schooling approach post the introduction of online schooling. This is because it offers diverse learning resources and personalized learning broadening your criteria for selecting the best school for your child.

Also Read | Evolution in Education: Shift from Traditional to Personalised Learning

Apply to the Best Online Schools in India via Ezyschooling

Explore Online Schools in India

Sources

This article has been reviewed by our panel. The points, views and suggestions put forth in this article have been expressed keeping the best interests of fellow parents in mind. We hope you found the article beneficial.

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