As online education continues to gain popularity and momentum, what is the overall impact on students, and are online classes students benefiting from online classes in ways that physical classrooms aren’t?
With flexibility being one of the most significant advantages, online learning allows students to complete their work on their own time. According to Matthew Rode, who teaches social studies online courses, “The main benefit of online learning is flexibility. Students can work at a time that suits their schedule, allowing them to learn when they feel most ready.” This flexibility also makes it easier for students to balance academic work with extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and family commitments.
While working independently can be a big plus for many students, it also presents certain challenges. Unlike traditional classrooms, online classes require a high level of self-motivation. It can be difficult to maintain focus in online spaces.
“Online classes don’t offer the same structure as in-person classrooms. There is no set time for work, no teacher walking around to keep students on task, and no immediate opportunity to ask for help,” said Rode.
Staying on track can be challenging; freshman Liliana Hogan said, “I might not take any online classes next year since when it was COVID time, I had trouble staying focused.”
Sophomore Cory Henderson said, “The reason why I don’t choose online classes is because I’m not there. I feel like there would have to be constant reminders to help me stay on top of deadlines.”
Teachers like Rode have adapted their teaching methods to the online environment. Rode said, “I try to keep my online classes as aligned with in-person lessons as possible, but I do make necessary modifications. For example, in my American Government class, we replace in-person Socratic Seminars with discussion boards on Schoology.”
He also emphasizes clarity in instructions and offers his students regular reminders and individual check-ins to ensure they stay engaged and understand the material.
Jeff Cosby, who teaches in-person gym classes as well as in-person health and online health here at RAHS, explained that his class runs differently online because, for the most part, students are working independently. Crosby stated that his in-person courses include, “a fair amount of partner and small group assignments.”
Henderson briefly described that if there was any one bonus to online classes it was that he wouldn’t necessarily have to work with kids he did not know. This makes it easier for him to have full control over his work.
Students who seek in person learning desire a connection with their teachers and other students in the classroom. Is it possible to still have a similar effect without being in a physical classroom?
Henderson said, “ I don’t think it is possible to have any connections with other kids or the teachers [in online courses]… The reason I would choose online [courses] is to simply get the work done without any need for too much communication…”
Crosby and Rode expressed that even though they still have a way to bond with students over the screen, they both acknowledge that online learning may not work for students who need more direct interactions. Crosby also recognizes that building rapport with students online can be tricky, “If a student chooses not to engage in class or they hide, gaining a connection with them is harder.”
Looking ahead, both Mr. Rode and Mr. Crosby believe that online learning will continue to play a significant role in the future of education, but it is unlikely to replace traditional classrooms entirely.
“It doesn’t work for everyone. Some students struggle with organization and accountability, and it can be harder to engage without face-to-face interaction,” said Crosby. He believes that online learning should be offered as an option, but it should not become the sole model for education. “I think students should experience both online and in-person classes to benefit from each approach,” he commented.
Hogan knows that online learning might not be a good fit for her. She said, “I really hope classes never go back to COVID time.”
Online high school education provides a blend of flexibility and independence, but it also requires a high degree of self-discipline and organization. While it offers significant benefits for some RAHS students, it is not without its challenges, particularly when it comes to staying motivated and engaged. As online education continues to evolve, it will likely remain an important option for many students, but traditional in-person classrooms will still be essential for students who need structure, immediate support, and face-to-face interaction with their teachers.