5 Ways Online School Offers a Calmer Learning Experience
After hours of phone scrolling, watching what’s on TV, and tossing and turning, your teen closes their eyes and fades out. Just when they finally fall asleep, they’re jolted awake —first by their alarm (which they snoozed three times) and then by you, acting as their final wake up call. It’s time to get ready.
In contrast, imagine your teen waking up when their body naturally wakes up. No early morning alarm to startle them awake. No rushing to get dressed or hurrying through traffic to get to class. Instead, they can wake up and get out of bed feeling rested and relaxed. They are able to start daily responsibilities when they’re physically and mentally prepared for it. This is one of the benefits of online school.
Online learning offers some unique advantages for students who need a low-stress learning environment to lighten their load. Considering the increased rate of stress, anxiety, and other conditions, many students today need a learning environment that focuses more on their well-being. They need less pressure and more support in their educational journey. Most of all, they need a calming environment so they can feel safe and focus on academics. Here are some ways online school can meet those needs:
Flexibility: Online learning often allows students to create their own schedules. This flexibility means that learners can choose when to study and complete assignments, accommodating other commitments such as work, family, or personal responsibilities. This control over their time can reduce the stress of sticking to a rigid schedule. This is especially true for students with health or medical conditions who face challenges with strict schedules.
Freedom from Commuting: Online learning eliminates the need to commute to a physical campus. This not only saves time but also reduces the stress associated with traffic, transportation delays, and the overall hassle of commuting. In addition, for those without reliable transportation, it eliminates the stress of finding transportation every school day.
Comfort in their environment: Students can study in the comfort of their own homes or a familiar environment, which can contribute to a relaxed and stress-free learning experience. This is especially true for teens dealing with anxiety or other mental health concerns. For individuals who may experience social anxiety or feel uncomfortable in large group settings, online learning can offer a more comfortable and less intimidating learning environment.
Personalized pace: Online courses often allow students to progress at their own pace. This means learners can spend more time on challenging concepts and move quickly through material they already understand, reducing the pressure to keep up with a predefined class pace.
Increased participation opportunities: In some traditional classrooms, certain students may hesitate to actively participate due to shyness or fear of judgment. Online discussions and forums can offer a less intimidating platform for engagement, promoting participation and reducing social pressures. For those technology natives, it's easier and more natural to engage online than with in-person classes.
Less pressure from peers: Online learning can reduce peer pressure and the stress of trying to fit in or compare oneself to others. Students can focus more on their own progress and learning rather than being influenced by their peers.
Attending school in-person definitely has its advantages but online learning can be beneficial as well. Different individuals have varying learning preferences, and some students may thrive better in a traditional classroom setting. It’s crucial to consider a student's physical, emotional, and mental needs when choosing the educational environment for them. The right environment can provide them with what they need to grow and succeed.
In the end, the future of education lies in embracing diversity and empowering students to choose what works for them. In this time when many students are struggling with overwhelming feelings, it’s considerate to provide them with a learning environment where they can focus and be set up for success. Whether their ideal environment is the traditional classroom or learning in online school, the ultimate goal remains the same: a stress-free and enriching educational experience for all.
About Grad Solutions
Grad Solutions is a fully accredited dropout recovery program helping students successfully complete their high school education and improve career possibilities. We empower students through a unique learning model that provides flexibility and support to pave the way to graduation. Learn more at iwantmydiploma.com