For the majority of parents, the year 2020 transformed into a crash course in online education. Suddenly, moms, dads, and grandparents found themselves in the positions of teachers.
While some caregivers threw up their hands and hoped for a quick re-opening of schools, there were also people who recognised the value of online education.
The Importance of Online Education in Today’s World
College-bound adults have known for years the value of online learning. It allowed busy professionals to complete degree programs that would give them a chance at improving their positions or salaries.
Now, it is clear that youngsters do not have to wait until they are adults to take advantage of this learning model.
Many young learners are now able to develop new skills that they might not have been able to hone otherwise:
- Development of technical skills, including troubleshooting software and hardware
- Soft skills’ improvement by learning to communicate with peers and teachers verbally and in writing
- Integration of student-driven innovation and creativity in the learning process
“I can tell you that this kind of experience (ex. online schooling), this way of approach and learning, completely different from the previous one my son attended, changed him profoundly.
That is because he became self-taught, he went through and assimilated the subject on his own, (of course with the proper guidance and support I mentioned), which led him to start looking at school from a different perspective and to start learning and, implicitly, doing well in life, on his own, by his own strengths and through his own work, without waiting for someone to teach him like it would happen in a traditional school. “
Mother of a Spark Generation Graduate
The Benefits of Online Education for Parents
That said, young learners are not the only ones that benefit in many ways from learning online. Parents, too, find that having their children learn asynchronously comes with many benefits.
Flexibility for a Better School-Work Balance
It’s obvious that the absence of carpools, pickups, and drop-offs give parents back a lot of time. It also puts a stop to rushed mornings.
While some classes provide synchronous teaching, participating does not mean that children have to dress up and get ready for school in the morning.
Instead, they can learn while sitting at the breakfast table. For working parents, this can be a significant improvement and can help balance out school and work more efficiently.
Besides that, students can learn from anywhere, not just from home but also during travels or from different living situations, which has been a game-changer for many families.
Better Time Management
Another one of the positive effects of online education is getting the family on the same page.
While caregivers work from home, students are able to learn and focus on schoolwork. In addition, it presents many children with the opportunity to become actively involved in their time management. What was previously ruled by the school bell is now open for negotiation thanks to the flexibility that online schooling offers.
Parents who took advantage of online learning models noticed that many asynchronous learners developed new, positive habits. Examples included new hobbies, an increased interest in fitness, and the willingness to explore new things on their own.
In addition, since a rigid standard no longer governed their schedules, students were able to practice sports or focus on their hobbies and take them to professional levels.
School-Life Balance in Parents’ Favour
Things like virtual PTA meetings allow more parents to attend events like these on lunch breaks or while taking a break from their jobs without having to physically go somewhere to attend.
Also, since many of the time-consuming school attendance issues were no longer there, it provided parents and kids with more time to spend together.
Online learning and remote working gave parents a chance to time their breaks to take a quick dip in the backyard pool with the kids, exercise together with the dogs at breakfast time, or have an ice cream bar on the balcony. Suddenly, parents no longer had to stress about carving out time for the kids; it came naturally.
Affordability – one of the Greatest Advantages of Online Education
Some parents were concerned that the absence of hands-on instruction would be among the disadvantages of online education.
However, they quickly realised that students seem to naturally collaborate to help each other learn new concepts or prepare for a test.
This goes hand-in-hand with affordability. Online learning platforms already exist. Many schools use them in a limited capacity or the classroom.
The pandemic showed parents and administrators how easy it was to switch from a location-centric model to an at-home setting – without any additional costs.
Nowadays, the cost of online learning differs from school to school, but the advantages these schools bring along make it a great investment for families that want freedom.
Creativity Takes Center Stage
Granted, it took some tries until the world got it right. First, there were the expectations to make school at home work precisely as it did at the campus, which was not realistic.
Next, some parents felt pressured to step into the role of teachers. However, after a little while, families found that creativity took the place of old routines.
This was of particular advantage for learners who did not previously thrive in traditional classroom settings.
Examples include gifted children, those being bullied, and youngsters who had earlier learning gaps. Parents now had the chance to speed up or slow down the pace, cater to a child’s learning style, and eliminate negative outside influences.
Your chance to offer your child the opportunity to study online
As we navigate the complexities of modern education, the benefits of online learning continue to stand out.
It offers not just a learning platform but a comprehensive environment where every child can thrive through customised, flexible, and accessible educational opportunities.
The advantages we’ve explored—from enhanced parental involvement to cost-effectiveness and a broad curriculum—are just the beginning.
Taking the next step towards integrating online education into your child’s learning journey has never been simpler.
Enrolling your child in an online school is as easy as 1-2-3. Don’t believe us? Check it out for yourself!
And for those still contemplating this transition, why not start with a gentle introduction?
Try our Unlimited Learning Subscription for just €5 per month. It’s a perfect way to experience the benefits of online education firsthand and see if it fits your child’s needs and learning style.
The future of education is here, and it’s tailored to meet the unique needs and aspirations of every student. Take the step today and open a world of possibilities for your child with just a click.
FAQs Online Learning from a Parent’s Perspective
1. What are the primary benefits of online education for parents and children?
Online education offers unparalleled flexibility, personalised learning, cost-effectiveness, and access to a broad curriculum. It allows students to learn in a manner that suits their individual needs and at their own pace, which also benefits their parents and families.
2. How does online learning impact family dynamics?
Online learning allows parents to be more involved in their children’s education, which can strengthen family bonds and ensure that parents are closely aligned with their children’s academic progress and challenges.
3. Can online education be socially fulfilling for children?
Yes, modern online education platforms provide various tools that facilitate interaction and collaboration among peers, helping children develop both academic and social skills in a digital environment.
4. How cost-effective is online education compared to traditional schooling?
Online education can be more cost-effective due to savings on commuting, school meals, and physical materials. It provides a high-quality educational experience at a potentially lower cost.
*This post has been initially published in July 2021 and has been since updated with relevant information to make the content more valuable for high school students and parents.
