The Online World: Pros and Cons

There’s no doubt about it, online classes are officially the new norm! Even though the world is making a push back towards traditional schooling methods, it’s practically a guarantee that virtual education programs, including virtual preschools and online homeschool, are here to stay. As a result, both you and your little one’s educators have likely had to alter the way you teach. Now with online preschool being a viable option alongside in-person learning, it’s time to really look into the ways in which online classes have impacted education as whole — including both pros and cons — in order to ensure that you make the decision that’s right for you and your little one.

1. Online learning increases accessibility: To start with, one of the most fortunate things to come out of online learning platforms is that having an option for people to learn virtually makes learning much easier to access! In-person classes are limited in availability based on space, staff, and many other factors, but having virtual preschool options makes it possible for more little ones to be learning — a definite plus!
2. Online learning leads to an increase in dropout rates: Unfortunately, there have also been an increased number of dropout rates amongst older students, with many struggling to complete their education or degrees. While it may seem premature to worry about something like this with your little one enrolled in online preschool, we mention it in order to help you ensure your child’s success by being an active part of their preschool at home learning experience if you choose the virtual preschool or online homeschool path.
3. Online learning can foster self discipline and motivation: Virtual preschool offers many of the same options for learning as in-person preschool does. However, one thing that isn’t available is the constant supervision from your little one’s educators. While this may seem like a downside, it can actually be a great way for you to help your little one set good habits for the future! Your little one will need your supervision as they learn and grow, but if you help encourage them to tackle their online preschool learning in a routine-based way, you can help set them up to be more self-disciplined in the future.
4. Online learning can make hands-on learning tricky: A sad downside that comes with choosing online learning is the loss of provided supplies. Educators aren’t able to provide every child who chooses preschool at home with the tools they would be using in class, which can make hands-on learning experiences a bit tougher for the average online homeschool student. This is where your knowledge of how your little one learns might come in handy: if you find that your little one likes to learn in a very hands-on fashion, be sure to invest in tools and supplies that will encourage hands-on learning, especially if you’re choosing virtual preschool.
5. Online learning can provide more efficient learning: Many people have spoken since the beginning of online learning about how much simpler it feels to do virtual schooling! This is another element that really depends on the little one in question; if you choose virtual preschool, just be certain that such a platform will coincide with what you know about how your little one learns.
6. Online school can encourage a lack of accountability: Doubling back to the discussion about self-motivation, this can be a potential detractor from choosing online homeschool for your little one. Because of the lack of direct educator supervision, students do not feel direct pressure to complete their work like they did before online homeschool was the norm. While this is primarily affecting students who are older in age, you can help curb it right away with a little added supervision on your part during your little one’s preschool at home lessons!
7. Easier schedule and time management: One of the best parts of online preschool and virtual learning platforms in general is the total freedom it offers in terms of scheduling and time management. Because sessions can be recorded and played at any time, it makes life as a busy parent a dream. Things like traveling, doctor’s appointments, or relocating become less of a detractor, and the increased convenience has led to an overall increase in enrollment in online homeschool and virtual school.

Overall, we know that online learning just isn’t the same as in-person learning. However, that doesn’t mean that it can’t be a really fantastic option for making sure your little one gets the preschool at home education they need from a virtual preschool platform, while also keeping them in a healthy and safe environment! With a little help from you, your child will always be capable of learning great things!

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