As online schooling popularises across France, many parents are considering making the switch for their children. Before you jump on the bandwagon, make sure you carefully understand the differences between online school and conventional school.
We strongly encourage parents to get a good grasp on what each form of learning entails so they can determine whether their child will respond well to it. In this blog, we’ll offer a closer look at these differences to help you understand which option is best for your child. Continue reading.
1.Flexibility
If you’re looking for a schooling system that grants greater flexibility to students, online schooling should be your top pick. Compared to conventional school, online school allows students to enjoy a healthier school-life balance.
Why? Well, conventional schooling often drains students, leaving them feeling overwhelmed, fatigued, and exhausted. After shuffling in and out of classes all day, they return home with little to no energy left to enjoy new hobbies, interests, explorations, excursions, and activities with the same vigour.
The online schooling system grants students more time. The classes are shorter since they’re more focused. Each group comprises 8–10 students. As a result, students can engage with their teacher and peers more intently and directly, which increases their knowledge absorption and retention capacity. Once they’re done with classes for the day, they can enjoy a wide range of non-academic pursuits.
2. Academic Growth
In most conventional schools, the student-teacher ratio is extremely high. As 20+ students are taught by one teacher, they struggle to stay on track. They may zone out, lose the gist of the lesson, or fail to get adequate answers to their questions. The teachers have so much going on that they simply cannot provide individualised attention to every student.
Online schooling eliminates this risk. Each student is taught by experienced MA/PhD qualified subject specialist teachers in small groups, as highlighted above. At Cambridge Home School, we also use a well-rounded, interdisciplinary, and independent curriculum to help students perform exceptionally well in class and on their exams. As a result, students actualise impressive academic growth.
3.Personal and Social Development
Every parent wants their child to secure top grades. However, this shouldn’t be your sole focus. You should also encourage your child to play their favourite sports, socialise with their friends, and work on their personal growth. Online schooling gives students ample opportunities to grow in an academic and non-academic capacity.
In conventional schools, there’s a high risk of school bullying. As a result, students feel discouraged, demotivated, and insecure. They may become withdrawn and feel unsure about taking on new challenges and getting out of their comfort zone.
In online schools, each class is assiduously moderated by empathetic, qualified, and experienced teachers. They promote personal and social development in students by arranging skill-building games and activities. Moreover, they encourage students to accept, respect, and appreciate each other so there’s no risk of bullying, which can easily clip children’s wings.
If you’re considering switching from conventional schooling to online schooling for your child, we can help you get started. Take a closer look at our four homeschooling programs: Primary Prep/Key Stage 2 (ages 8 to 10), Lower School/Key Stage 3 (ages 11 to 13), Upper School/IGCSEs (ages 14 to 16), and Sixth Form/AS & A-Levels (ages 17 to 19). When you’re ready, browse through our admissions process and term dates.
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FAQ
What are the advantages of online schooling in terms of flexibility?
Online schooling offers a more flexible schedule, allowing students to maintain a healthier balance between school and other activities. The classes are shorter and more concentrated, usually involving smaller groups of 8-10 students. This leaves students with more time for hobbies and other non-academic pursuits after their classes are over.
Does online schooling offer better opportunities for academic growth?
Yes, online schooling often facilitates better academic growth because the student-to-teacher ratio is much lower. Students are taught by experienced MA/PhD qualified subject specialists in smaller groups, enabling better individualised attention. The curriculum is also well-rounded and interdisciplinary, promoting excellent academic performance.
How does online schooling affect personal and social development?
Online schooling offers a moderated environment that fosters personal and social development. Teachers arrange skill-building games and activities, and there is a strong emphasis on mutual respect among students. Unlike in conventional schools, the risk of bullying is significantly reduced, allowing for a more supportive learning environment.
What are some drawbacks of conventional schooling in comparison to online schooling?
Conventional schooling often results in students feeling overwhelmed due to longer school hours and larger class sizes. This leaves them with little time and energy for other activities. Additionally, the high student-to-teacher ratio makes it difficult for students to receive individualised attention, which can hamper academic growth.
What homeschooling programmes are offered for different age groups?
Four homeschooling programmes are available: Primary Prep/Key Stage 2 for ages 8 to 10, Lower School/Key Stage 3 for ages 11 to 13, Upper School/IGCSEs for ages 14 to 16, and Sixth Form/AS & A-Levels for ages 17 to 19. Each is designed to cater to the academic needs of students in different age brackets.