Online, self-paced learning has been a topic of controversy in my family for a while now. I have a cousin that began taking online courses two years ago, and that was what sparked the topic of this strange form of education within my family. Many of the more traditional elders worried if he was getting the proper amount of education, whether he was developing socially, making and maintaining friendships, staying active and much more. So when a year later, I took the plunge into the education of an online school, I was also grilled to the bone with similar questions.
One big misconception with online schools is that the course materials are easier than traditional schools. In a way, yes, online school is much easier, but not in the way you may be thinking.
I began attending an online school so I could pursue a career in acting. The acting industry is competitive, as many celebrities and others who work in similar forms of work could tell you. So the strict 9-3 schedule of a traditional school was unaccommodating to my demanding auditions and irregular work schedules. Online school made learning a lot more accessible, as the method of how it delivered my education. I could access my materials and connect with teachers via virtual classrooms or email at any time of the day. I do my best to complete my assignments and submit them before the recommended due date. It’s this flexibility and accommodating of my schedules that makes online school ‘easier.’
Another big question my grandparents individually grill me with is whether or not I am communicating with others. They worry that because I spend most of my time at home or on set in front of a laptop, I’m not making many friends. This is not true. Many online schools have ‘Virtual Field Trips,’ ‘Virtual Clubs’ and even in-class discussion forms for students of the community to communicate and collaborate. I’m personally part of the Travel Club, and so far it has been tons of fun. We meet once a month to share photos, experiences as well as some fine cuisine we enjoyed while travelling. It’s your choice if you choose to get involved in the community. You can very much stick to yourself and not join any clubs or take part in any meet-ups– but hey, where’s the fun in that?
Something I discovered when I began to take online courses a year ago was how much self-discipline one needed to attend online school. It’s your responsibility to complete your lessons, communicate with instructors and get your assignments in on time. Unless your parents play this role, there is no one to push you, to be on your back and nag at you about assignments and due dates. If the instructors notice you are falling behind in your lessons, they will send an email for a quick checkup, but in the end, it is up to you to stay diligent and on top of your work.
Overall, online education is still a topic of skepticism among many, evident by the flood of questions and quizzical looks I receive whenever I inform others I attend an online school. It’s different; it’s a more flexible and accessible form of learning. However, it is always important to keep your options open, after all, education isn’t a one size fit all kind of deal. Much like how may prefer public schools while others favor private institutes, there are also some who may thrive under online education as well.
