Online classes, distance learning, and e-learning are all synonymous with nontraditional classroom settings. The brick-and-mortar school that everyone in the neighborhood hopped on the yellow school bus to attend is no longer the only option for an education.

For many students there are a number of reasons that they prefer online classes.

More Learning Options

One reason that many prefer their kids to attend an online public school is the increased number of learning options. In a traditional setting, there needed to be enough students for each class to make it financially worthwhile to offer the course. Now, with online classes, kids can take courses from multiple schools. This dramatically increases the courses available. Students no longer have to endure classes in which they do not have any interest; they can select what is meaningful to them.

Scheduling Flexibility

Online classes offer students and their families flexibility. With a device and access to the internet, students can continue attending their classes from anywhere in the world. Family trips can be taken anytime the family has the opportunity to travel. With this flexibility, online classes are a preferred option for many. Kids can learn much more than what is taught in a classroom through real world experiences.

Experienced and a Variety of Instructors

Teachers and instructors who are working in online classrooms have had some of the best training available. They can easily maneuver between screens and keep students on task. Experienced online instructors also work with the full class and smaller groups. A variety of assignments to develop students’ knowledge are usually provided by quality online teachers.

With online schools, students will have many teachers, unlike a traditional setting in which there are fewer teachers who work in the school.

Self-Paced

Another reason many kids prefer online classes is the pace of the class. Often, students can move at a speed that meets their learning style. Kids with solid background knowledge on a topic will get credit for what they know. They will not have to complete ‘busy work’ on material that they already know. Conversely, if the material is new to a student and difficult to master, students can move at a slower pace to ensure their understanding of the topic.

Ability to Explore

Families will now have more time together, without the extra hours of going to and from a traditional school building. With the flexibility offered by online class schedules, students and their families are able to schedule other activities. Kids now have the time to explore other interests. For kids who excel at certain activities, they can schedule their online classes around other lessons and events.

Kids who take online classes develop their independence. They are not in a classroom with a teacher continually walking around the room reminding them to complete their work. Students who are learning at home on their computer need to become more self-sufficient. With these traits, kids have more self-discipline and will be able to engage in other interests more readily.