All throughout the country, students are turning toward online schooling as a way of earning credits towards a high school diploma or college degree. While virtually unknown a decade ago, online schools have become an increasingly popular way to pursue secondary and post-secondary education.
According to a 2013 report conducted by the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL), there were an estimated 1,816,400 enrollments in distance-education courses in K-12 school districts in 2009-2010, almost all of which were online courses.
Students no longer have to sit in a classroom all day — confined to one physical space, and expected to learn within the confines of a school day. With advancements in technology, education has evolved to the point where all one has to do is turn on their computer, no matter the time of day, and begin learning. While the decision to turn to online schooling can be made for a variety of personal reasons, many students make switch to online schools for these reasons:
1. It’s Flexible
Many people who participate in online schooling do so because of the flexibility it provides in relation to all of the other responsibilities in their life. For a high school student, taking a course with an online school may allow for more time spent on the athletic fields, or more attention spent on band practice or student government. For other students, working may be a priority on a day-to-day basis, meaning their studying takes place at home during the evening hours.
“Many cite flexibility as the number one factor that draws students to online learning.” —“Assessing the Flexibility of Online Learning” U.S. News & World Report
2. It’s On Your Time
Competency has always been measured according to the teacher’s stopwatch, meaning students in the classroom are graded/assessed based on how well they are able to retain the information within the time allotted. With online schooling, however, the student holds the stopwatch. And because online schools allow a student the ability to learn at their own pace, this can lead to a greater level of comprehension.
3. It’s Relevant
In a world dominated by technology — iPads, iPhones, Kindles and more — it only makes sense that people are turning to online schools for education. And because technology, much like adolescent life, is constantly evolving, it’s crucial that the education system you choose is able to keep up. Another inviting aspect of online schooling is the endless potential of learning opportunities available to a student. Where a traditional high school or college may not offer a niche course, an online school can likely step in to fill the void.
With over 100 classes, taught by more than 150 instructors, VLACS offers a valuable educational experience for those who desire a flexible schedule. Check out our Course Catalog to browse the variety of courses we offer, or contact us today to learn how you can begin to reap the benefits of online learning.