Online Education vs. Traditional University: Accessibility or Accreditation?

Online School or Regular School?

Lots of kids and grown-ups think about going to school. But what kind? You can go to a school building, or you can learn on a computer at home! These are called traditional and online schools. Let’s look at what’s good and not-so-good about both.

What’s Online School?

Online school is like watching TV and learning at the same time. You use a computer to see your teacher and classmates. You do homework on the computer, too. It’s all online!

Good Things About Online School

• Easy to Get To: You don’t need a bus! Just turn on your computer.
• Learn at Your Own Speed: If something is hard, you can take your time.
• Lots of Choices: You can pick from many different schools, even if they are far away. Did you know that online education has grown by over 20% in the last decade?

Not-So-Good Things About Online School

• Need a Computer: If you don’t have a computer, it’s hard to learn.
• No Friends at School: You don’t get to play with friends in the classroom.
• Must Be Good at Using Computers: It can be tricky if you don’t know how to use a computer well.

What’s Regular School?

Regular school is what most people think of when they think of school. You go to a building with teachers and other kids. You learn in a classroom.

Good Things About Regular School

• Make Friends: You can play with kids at recess and in class.
• Teachers Help You: Teachers are there to help you learn in person.
• Lots of Activities: You can join clubs and sports teams. Did you know that studies show students in traditional schools often have better social skills?

Not-So-Good Things About Regular School

• Must Wake Up Early: You have to get ready and go to school even if you are tired.
• Hard to Get To: You might need to ride a bus or have someone drive you.
• Learn at the Same Speed as Everyone Else: If something is hard, you might not get enough time to learn it.

Which One Is Better?

It depends on what you need! Online school is good if you need to learn at your own speed or can’t get to a regular school. Regular school is good if you want to make friends and like having a teacher right there to help you. For example, students with disabilities sometimes find online learning more accessible, while others thrive in a structured classroom. Over the past fifty years, both methods have evolved significantly, with online education now offering a wider range of accredited programs than ever before. The key is to find the best fit for *you*.

Important Words: Accreditation

Accreditation means that a school is good and does things the right way. Both online and regular schools can be accredited. Make sure the school you pick has accreditation. It’s like a seal of approval!

The US Department of Education recognizes accrediting agencies which evaluate the quality of education and training offered by educational institutions. These agencies set standards and conduct regular reviews to ensure institutions meet those standards. For example, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accredits universities and colleges in the North Central region of the US.

Compare Them!

Here’s a table to help you see the differences:

The Future of Learning

Both online and regular schools are changing. Online schools are getting better at helping kids make friends. Regular schools are using computers more in the classroom. Maybe one day, they will be more alike!