Many students believe that online education is the future. However, many universities and teachers do not think so and are in no hurry to transfer to distance learning. Let’s find out if it’s worth it to transfer to homeschooling and what to expect from it. What are the pros and cons of homeschooling?
The pros of homeschooling
First, let’s break down why online education is so attractive to students.
Accessibility
The main advantage of distance education is its affordability. It is usually cheaper than face-to-face education. You don’t have to spend money on moving or traveling to the university. This is a huge plus for students who live in remote regions.
Distance learning allows people with disabilities to get an education, find a job and support themselves without leaving home.
In addition, distance universities recruit students several times a year, sometimes every month. You don’t have to wait until September to start studying.
Continuity
Online education meets all the demands of today’s ever-changing world. It allows you to improve or learn new skills at any age.
Flexibility
You are not tied to a university schedule and can create your schedule. Many online learning platforms allow you to study at your convenience. You can also go back and reread the lectures you’ve taken to get a deeper understanding of the material.
Personalized Learning
Homeschooling provides individualized attention to each student. You do not hear the rest of the classmates, so it feels like the material is being explained only to you. This format is particularly suitable for introverts.
You do not need to raise your hand and wait to be noticed. All questions on the topic can be asked immediately in the class or send to the teacher by e-mail. He cannot ignore them.
Freedom of choice
In distance learning, you can make a list of subjects you are interested in. You don’t have to sit through unnecessary and uninteresting subjects to get a degree. Remote learning saves you time and allows you to concentrate on the essentials.
In addition to the subjects, you can choose your instructor. Online learning should be as comfortable as possible. How the instructor explains the material is important for understanding the material. If the lectures are hectic and the teacher is constantly confused about the material, you can transfer to another specialist.
Effectiveness
Online learning is often chosen by students who already have a full-time education under their belt. For them, distance learning is a conscious choice. They know why they get new education and how to apply it. They don’t have problems with self-discipline. That is why students who study remotely have more in-depth knowledge than many full-time students. By the way, they could start their own career, for example, as an essay editor.
Relevance of study materials
Distance education is usually conducted on special platforms that provide access to learning materials. They are compiled from old and new data so that students have a complete understanding of the subject matter. For example, such rare topics like how to write an act essay
The online format allows for quick updates and up-to-date data. Face-to-face education with printed books cannot provide quick updates. As textbooks go through revisions and printing, they become several years out of date.
The cons of homeschooling
Unfortunately, it’s not all smooth sailing with distance learning. It has its drawbacks.
Self-Regimentation
The quality of distance learning depends on your organization and discipline. No one will remind you about deadlines and missed lectures. It is up to you to control the learning process and watch for gaps in your knowledge.
Technical equipment
Online education requires students to have constant high-speed internet and technology that will not slow down. This limits the spread of distance learning.
Lack of personal contact with the teacher
You will know your tutor only from records of lectures or video calls during classes. You will not have an opportunity to meet him or her after class or in the cafeteria. This can be a problem for some students, as they need face-to-face contact with the instructor.
Lack of “student life.”
Distance learning is individualized. You won’t cross paths with other students and chat with them during breaks. Online universities don’t have holidays or meetings for students, so you are responsible for socializing with your peers.
Difficulties with supervision
The main pain of all online universities is the lack of control over students. No one can track whether you cheated on a test or not. All the responsibility lies with the students. If you need a teacher who will control you all the time, distance education is not for you.
Homeschooling: Difficulties with supervision
A limited number of specializations
Not all specialties can be learned online. Many require practical work, such as medicine and engineering. Some involve social and communication skills that you can’t learn even with video calls.
Recognition
Unfortunately, not all employers are willing to hire someone who has completed an online education. This is due to stereotypes about distance education: many believe that it is of lower quality and does not give a complete picture of the specialty. However, gradually the opinion about distance education is changing.
What should I choose?
First, you need to weigh the pros and cons of homeschooling for yourself. It all depends on whether you can get enough knowledge and skills in the field you have chosen. It’s also important whether you can control yourself: don’t skip classes, turn in your work on time, and read additional literature.
Remember that homeschooling is not welcomed in all fields. You may need to get a full-time education first, and then improve yourself through online learning.
