My Online Learning Experience Essay Example

Although online school has flexibility and benefits, in- person school is more beneficial because there is increased teacher communication, students perform better at school, and it is more active and involved. 

Some people mention that online school has various benefits and flexibility. Citing the article, 5 Key Benefits of Online High School by ICON, it says, “Online education provides an unparalleled flexibility that allows for a customized experience. With self-directed learning and no mandatory live classes, you can play to your strengths.” Online school allows students to learn freely, without any pressure from in- person school and teachers. Students can learn at the comfort of their home, which most likely could make school more enjoyable and relaxing. According to the same article written by ICON they say, “For some students, a traditional school can be incredibly uncomfortable, sparking social anxiety, behavioral problems, and mental health issues. Why not remove the barriers and keep the educational content with online classes?” When kids are at risk of developing a mental illness because of in- person school, online school is a great way to avoid any possibilities of mental illness. Online school can help students become more comfortable with handling school and staying out of harm’s way from mental illness. Online school also provides more comfort and stability while being at home in their own alleviation. However online school has many benefits, in-person school allows more opportunities. 

Even though online school has some positives, in-person school involves more teacher communication and association. According to the College Times, Miranda Cyr quotes, “’It’s much easier to form a relationship with the professor,” Nardizzi says. “Online, I usually don’t get to know my professor or only correspond with them via email so it doesn’t feel like a real relationship, especially as a lot of teachers can be great resources or future references.’” When in in-person school, students always need assistance and help. For online school, students and teachers are communicating through email, it is certainly more difficult to have a good relationship. In the Article, My College Guide, it explains, “Online learning can’t adequately replicate the relationship and human experience that develops in a face-to-face learning environment. When a professor is physically in front of you, you can read his or her body language, mannerisms, gestures, tone, volume and so on. These things help you to interpret and recall the information being presented. You are also able to engage in natural, spontaneous conversations with classmates that can enrich the learning experience.” When there is a teacher always there to help and assist students with assignments, tests, etc., it is more comforting to know that there is always help around. The stress and pressure to do things independently can get overwhelming, and it’s remarkably more suitable to have help near. In- person school can help kids have a better relationship with teachers, helping them accomplish more. 

Next, students perform and accomplish more in in-person school. To speak from experience, I had to do online school for the last term of my 8th grade school year. At the beginning, I enjoyed not having to follow the same schedule every day. It was nice to sleep in and do schoolwork in my pj’s and in my bed. However, after a few weeks I started to fall behind, and I would procrastinate all my assignments because I had “so much time”. This was not the case, however. Because of all of the procrastination and delay, I was so stressed due to all the work I had to get done in a period of time. I did well in the end, but this story does show how easy it is to fall behind and not be able to catch up. It was way too easy to procrastinate. In the article, How Effective is Online Learning? What the Research Does and Doesn’t Tell Us by Susanna Loeb, she explains, “It is not surprising that in-person courses are, on average, more effective. Being in person with teachers and other students creates social pressures and benefits that can help motivate students to engage.” When students aren’t interested and engaged to learn, it is harder for them to perform well. Being at home makes it too easy to put work aside and procrastinate. 

Lastly, in-person school is more active and involved. There are many things that go on at in-person school including, sports, clubs, student government, etc. Online school stops students from having the crucial social life the true high school, college, and elementary school experience. According to the College Times they reason, “I prefer in-person classes mainly because of the more hands-on learning approach that I think in-person classes have,” Nardizzi says. “It’s much easier to be distant and detached from the course, your classmates and the professor in an online class.” In-person courses hold the student accountable for remaining active and alert during class time.” In-person school helps students be aware of their priorities and duties. When at school, students are more present and engaged in the classroom. In the article USA Today, Erin Richards tells a story about a girl named Ruby Rodriguez. She says, “Virtual learning might be keeping Ruby, 14, and her family safer during a public health crisis. But it has made it exponentially harder for her to stay motivated and learn. Her online classes are lecture-heavy, repetitive and devoid of student conversation.” Online school is filled with repetitive days and lack of attention to do schoolwork. Being at school helps students stay more alert to their tasks to be more involved in school. 

To conclude, in- person school is more beneficial because there is increased teacher communication, students perform better at school, and it is more active and involved. Face to face school is crucial for college students, elementary students, and high school students to be successful. School is more enjoyable when students can be social and can be with each other on a day to day basis. In-person school helps students grow, become better and obtain knowledge.