School Online

Education is one of the most important things in a child’s life. The quality of education that a child receives can determine how successful they will be in life. That is why as a parent it is of the utmost importance that you ensure your child receives a good education.

In recent years there has been a rise in the number of children attending school online. This is in part due to the Covid 19 pandemic which demonstrated the merits, viability and quality of this form of schooling. Though this development was in all likelihood inevitable with the rapid development of technology in the modern world. However many parents are still unsure if online schooling is right for their children.

That is why we decided to write this article to take a look at online schooling and how it compares to traditional, or offline schooling. We will also take a look at some of the leading institutions for children to attend school online. To help parents better understand online schooling and decide if it is right for their child.

School online or offline

As attending school online is a relatively new concept for most parents we thought we would take a look at how it compares to traditional schooling. We will see in what areas it is better and where its shortcomings are to allow parents to make an informed decision about their child’s education.

Interaction

Student interaction is a common concern for parents as many believe that if their child attends school online there is less interaction than in traditional schools. This is however a misconception as in the virtual classroom every student essentially sits in the front row. Additionally, there are more avenues of interaction with online schooling for example a shy student can privately message the teacher where they would be too shy to interact in front of the entire class.

Cost

When it comes to cost attending school online is generally more cost-effective. This is not only due to comparatively lower tuition fees but also fewer associated costs. For example with online schooling, there is no transportation needed which saves money and time as students don’t have to get to physical classes like in traditional schools.

Accessibility

Online schooling is far more accessible than traditional schools. This is because students can attend school online from anywhere in the world as long as they have internet access. Whereas traditional schooling requires students to attend classes at a specific location.

Flexibility

There is more flexibility when it comes to online schooling compared to traditional schooling. This is because students can complete course materials at their own pace, whereas teachers set the pace in a traditional classroom. Therefore, it is unlikely that a student gets left behind if they attend school online.

Additional Skills

Online schooling also encourages students to learn life skills like time management and self-discipline. As students are required to complete their coursework on their own time without oversight from teachers like in traditional schooling. These life skills are useful throughout the child’s adult life.

Technical issues

Attending school online is adversely affected by technical issues. These issues can be audio or visual troubles, power outages, or internet failures, which can completely halt classes. Technical issues pose no real issue to traditional schooling as in-person classes do not require much technology.

As you can see attending school online has a number of benefits for students, though it is not without its shortcomings. Ultimately deciding which is better will depend on the individual needs and circumstances of the student.

Online schools

Now that we have a better understanding of the benefits of attending school online. We thought it would be useful to take a look at some of the best online schools available. While the number one online learning platform is Udemy, we will focus on high school platforms. To allow parents to see the wide range of options available to them and their children.

Elroi Academy

One of the best institutions for school online is Elroi Academy, awarded as one of the top 5 SACAI Education Providers for 2022. They are a registered assessment centre and curriculum provider for the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI). They offer online courses for Grades 8 – 12 and they were the first-ever online matric upgrade course in South Africa for Mathematics and Science. They deliver all their course content with digital media like video lessons and electronic exercises, allowing students to complete their work when it is most convenient for them. While they have only been a curriculum provider since 2013 their assessments are sold to other schools due to popular demand. Giving you peace of mind that they provide a high-quality education to their students.

Brainline 

If you want your child to attend school online one of the best options is Brainline. With over 35 years of experience in online schooling. Widely recognised as the best online school in South Africa. They are also the first online education provider recognised by the Independent Examinations Board (IEB). They strive to be an innovative, quality-driven online education institution that will provide the very best education to their students.

Cambrilearn

Another prominent online school in South Africa is Cambrilearn, They are an internationally accredited online school offering the International British Curriculum and since 2023 they are offering CAPS, the national curriculum of South Africa, and . They strive to brighten their students’ futures through education.

ISBerne Online

Widely considered the best K12 online school, ISBerne Online is a premium American Online School. They offer an American online curriculum from kindergarten to Grade 12. They are accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). They even offer virtual clubs and bi-monthly social activities that make attending school online as fulfilling as possible for students.

Conclusion

As you can see, attending school online is becoming more and more viable in the modern age. With many great benefits for students, and professional institutions that ensure quality education is more accessible than ever before. We hope this article has helped you better understand the online schooling landscape. To assist you in making an informed decision about your child’s education and future.