Is online learning an alternative to traditional schooling?
Although I have been working in the education field for over 30 years I used to be very sceptical regarding the quality and impact online learning may have on students. I was convinced that, in order to learn well, students have to be in a physical setting where they could mingle with both their peers and their teachers. I held the belief that online learning would not allow students nor teachers to form a community.
At the age of 54 I decided to undertake an online course myself – after having gone through formal education in a traditional way (two doctoral degrees, one master degree). During this particular online course – that was not only based on lecturing, but also on valuable live sessions where participants got engaged in debates, discussions and collaborative learning – I realised that I established a strong bond with the participants that resulted in further gatherings online and offline.
As, at that time, I was working towards becoming less location dependent as a professional, I was looking into options that allowed me to live my mission differently in comparison to how I was doing it up until then. After many years of teaching, lecturing, coaching and leading international schools in different countries and experiencing the need to start from scratch again after each move (I moved due to family reasons), I was fascinated by creating something that would allow me and my job to work from anywhere.
Synchronicity is often at play and, indeed, the mentor of the online course that I subscribed to one day phoned me and asked me whether it would be possible to create an online school? You can imagine that my former beliefs were at a deviation. We brainstormed on the basis of our common experience and knowledge in different fields (mine in education, giftedness and personal development and Katharina’s (my business partner) in Marketing and coaching) what would be the best way to bring a holistic education offering into reality: School Beyond Limitations was born.
School Beyond Limitations is not only based on online schooling, it also integrates the opportunity of experiential learning weeks in different countries in Europe. Students learn to see themselves as unique human beings who are invited to pursue their own interests through the lenses of academic, social, emotional, personal and entrepreneurial learning opportunities.
The experience has now given us enough evidence that online learning has a number of huge advantages (although it may not be the right solution for everybody). Students who love to engage online and gain inspiration by connecting with people from different countries forget that they are not in the same physical room. Surprisingly, students say that they seem to bond more with their classmates in a contained online context (at School Beyond Limitations there are only maximum 8 students in each class) than they ever did before in traditional classes with over 20 students being present. They keep connected after lessons and communicate and collaborate beyond their school hours. As such, the online approach gives them the understanding how much value they gain through collaboration with one another and furthermore, they realise that they belong to a steady, friendly, caring and open learning community – an environment that promotes the notion that learning takes place at any time and anywhere.
Online learning allows students to connect with their peers and teachers also in times of change, such as during the Covid 19 pandemic throughout which the majority of countries have closed their schools and were not ready to phase an efficient solution for their students’ learning. Often teachers just sent assignments out to their students by expecting the assignments to be handed in at the end of the week. Students, from one moment to the next, needed to learn everything independently whereas before there was never any focus on self-directed learning in school. There was no or very little interaction with the students. No wonder that students who experienced such an approach started to feel left alone and demotivated about their learning experience.
The online lessons at School Beyond Limitations allowed students to continue their learning journey. It never interrupted. Students are involved in their learning. It allows them to see the purpose of their learning by being seen in their individual uniqueness. They learn out of curiosity based on their interests, talents, experiences and competencies. Their learning takes place through inquiry and projects based on a trans-disciplinary approach. That allows them to integrate their learning holistically as it is relevant to their own lives. On top of supporting students’ personal development they are encouraged, through the exposure to experts in various fields, to develop their entrepreneurial mindset and their entrepreneurial ventures. Such powerful online classes allow them to learn how much value there is to connect with entrepreneurs and to be exposed to their expertise. Online classes offer infinite possibilities for such learning experiences. Students connect easily with relevant people who may have an impact on their own professional career.
Another positive aspect of online learning is that students encounter less stress. There is no need to get up so early if school starts at 9 am from home. Students mention this aspect all the time: how much freer and more relaxed they feel about school by connecting from home. There is no need of commuting to school on a daily basis and that helps them to introduce a daily routine based on more freedom and choice.
In addition, the peer pressure that usually makes students suffer so much in traditional settings is something that online students do encounter much less. First of all because their environment is so different. Nobody can hide in the classroom. Everyone is seen and also the interaction between the students is taking place openly. If their learning environment puts an emphasis on the whole human being – including their emotional and social wellbeing – then there is no space for such risks to take place.
So, is online learning an alternative to traditional schooling? For sure it is (not for all); especially if the online learning is based on the uniqueness of the learning journey of each single student and takes them on an interactive journey that ignites their passion for learning and their interest in creating value for themselves and the world they live in.
I like how you pointed out that online schooling allows you to connect with peers and teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic. I think a ton of people are frustrated with how the virus is affecting their education. At least they can keep learning with online classes.
And, in addition, Chris, SBL’s online learning environment is based on a holistic approach. Thank you for your words of appreciation!
Hello there, very interesting and informative article.. Thanks for sharing!!
Thank you for your appreciative words, Veronica!
My cousin has been thinking about getting some alternative schooling for her high school education because she can’t go to school. Making sure that she can go online could allow her to learn more from a professional. I liked what you said about how she can reduce her stress, interact with other students, and have a more flexible schedule with an online class.
Please get in touch with us if you were to be interested in our concept, Adam!
This is a quite wonderful post, reading through your sentences I was really amazed for I have not come across any website that his article is as sweet as yours. I want to say, you should keep up with the great work that you are doing.
Thank you for your kind words of appreciation!
My students agree with the point you make about sleep. During COVID, my current school has used a mix of face-to-face and online. When we came back to campus, students said they had enjoyed getting so much more sleep during the online phase. Especially for students who live far away and must commute for more than 2 hours per day, online school respects their basic needs much better than the campus-based model. Also, their pets were so much happier!
Yes, that is another important factor. Thank you for your input. And, yes, also the fact that their pets can be around them during lessons makes the learning experience much more natural as well.
Great post! Thanks for sharing the knowledge and keep up the good work.
Thank you, Brian, for your appreciative words!
Hi there, it was a very interesting and informative article.. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for your feedback!
You made a good point when you shared that online courses will not cause stress for students as they won’t have to wake up earlier to get to school. My niece just mentioned the other day that she is thinking of learning about biomedical technology once she finishes high school in a few months. I will suggest to her looking for a reliable college that can offer the online course regarding it.
I am glad you find the article valuable, Taylor – also for your niece’s future college plans!
Hello there! Thanks for sharing amazing information about, “Is online learning an alternative to traditional schooling?”.Keep sharing.
Thank you, Sabrina, for your words of appreciation!
I found it interesting when you said that more people are choosing online learning. Recently, one of my cousins mentioned he’s confused about what and where to study. In my opinion, online learning comes with many benefits, especially during our hard times, so I think this article will benefit my cousin. Thanks for the information on how online learning comes with environmental advantages for students.
Thank you, Eli Richardson, für your feedback. Yes, online learning has a number of benefits and allows us to see possibilities beyond our perceived reality. I am glad that this article is valuable for yourself and your cousin. Best of luck!
This is a fantastic site that is both informative and well-written. I’m hopeful you’ll begin publishing fresh posts soon.
I will soon write regular posts again! Thank you for your appreciative words!
I completely agree, and I appreciate you sharing your thoughts. This blog is quite beneficial to all readers. Excellent work.
Thank you for your words of appreciation!
Amazing info I got from your blog, Good content! I am just reaching out to say keep up the good work.
Thank you for your words of appreciation! We will do!
Thanks for sharing. Worth Reading it. Online Learning is the future of modern world.
Thank you for your feedback! Yes Online Learning is one part of today’s and tomorrow’s world in education.
Thank you for this post.
Thank you, lucky!
Great article about online education .Thanks for sharing this superb blog post. I also believe that online education is the future of education and in future we don’t need to sit in classes for education, all we need is an internet device. Thanks for sharing this amazing article.
Thank you for your positive feedback, Frank!
It was interesting to know that online learning allows learners to communicate with their classmates and instructors during the Covid-19 pandemic. My sister is planning to enroll in ICAP online classes. I think she should look for a school that provides an effective approach to online learning.
Yes, it really depends on the how online learning is delivered. Thank you for your feedback!
Thanks for sharing. Great peace of advice on online learning courses
Thank you for your words of appreciation!
I really like the idea of kids being able to learn at their own pace and figure out to be their own individual person. My sister’s kids have been struggling in their current school and she’s been thinking about pulling them out so they can learn online. We’ll have to look into finding an online school that fits her kids needs.
Perhaps, School Beyond Limitations is the right place for your sister’s kids? Please have a look at the website and – if you find it valuable – get in touch with us!
Online learning has become a popular alternative to traditional schooling, especially in the recent years, as it offers flexibility, convenience, and accessibility. However, It’s important to evaluate the specific needs and learning style of the student and to choose the best mode of learning accordingly.
Yes, I can’t agree more. Thank you for your contribution!
you are a great person in making this article, wish you the best. where to learn blogging
Thank you.
Great article! I completely agree that technology has revolutionized the way we learn and has made education more accessible to people from all over the world. Online learning eliminates geographical and time constraints, making education available to everyone, regardless of where they live or what their schedule may be. Thank you for sharing your insights!
Thank you for your feedback!
Thanks for sharing , yes I agree online learning an alternative to traditional schooling.
Thank you for your supportive words of appreciation.
thanks for this article.