
This inconclusive evidence does nothing but make the answer confusing. With so much research pointing in both directions, it ‘s hard to tell if these schools are productive or not.

An online education offers different opportunities that students have not had before however, the lingering question is if this new style of education is actually good for kids. The option of having a virtual school meets the need for a different educational environment whether for flexibility or security. The study also found that high performing students suffered a loss in their education after enrolling in an online school. Another study done in February of 2017 found that lower performing students, the students most attracted to a virtual school, lagged further behind their peers and would have fared better had they been enrolled in a traditional school. However, the company behind this research is known to receive money from organizations that support charter schools which may impact the study, so this information could be inaccurate. There was also a study done that came to the conclusion that virtual schools are pointless as the subjects scored as if they had missed school for a whole year. The online students of the study increased their math skills by ten percentile points and literacy skills by four percentile points as compared to the traditional students who gained 1.6 percentile points in math and lost 1.2 percentile points in literacy. One study done in Arkansas measured the proficiency levels of students grade 5 through 8. Various studies have been done on online schools to test their performance level. Also, how will a child get their work done without a teacher present? Is it really possible to get an education with a computer? Are virtual schools good for kids? These questions and observations may come up when considering a virtual school and some research has been done.Ĭonnections Academy, a national online public school, states that there were 315,000 students in full-time online school in the 2013-2014 school year. It seems a bit contradictory to monitor screen time but also place your child in front of a computer screen for their education. When considering a virtual school, a parent will wonder if virtual schools are in fact, good for kids.

These virtual schools give access to an education when students may not otherwise have access. With a computer, a student can access lessons, homework, tests, and information. Virtual schools are used instead of a traditional school, and it is through those schools that students are taught. While most teachers incorporate technology in the lessons, a virtual classroom takes place of the actual classroom. One of these doors that were opened by advanced technology is the virtual classroom. This incredible opportunity has opened up doors that were previously closed or otherwise inaccessible. This relatively new invention has given millions of students the opportunity to have access to seemingly endless information. This different way of learning may be incredibly beneficial to some people who thrive on technology.

The invention of the computer has now allowed students to learn through technology and students are engaged like never before. Some students learn better if they work with their hands while other students learn better by reading. Unique ways of teaching allow the teacher to target the student’s strengths and engage them on a personal level.

While teaching about the ocean, a teacher may have a slideshow, a film, and a computer research or graphic design assignment. As each student is different, their way of learning is distinct and with technology, teachers are now better able to provide multiple layers of education. This natural progression has allowed for unique opportunities of learning that were not available before advanced technology. Along with the invention of the television came classroom films and typewriters were replaced with computers. With the birth of advanced technology has come advancement in the classroom.
