In the era of digitisation, online learning has been a prominent learning option among students. Some students take the classes in an online mode while some choose to take both; online and offline classes. These are also known as blended programmes that offer both online and personal interaction. This is true that not all students are the same; some kids need more attention than others while some want attention so they don’t get settled in the online version. Can online learning be a substitute for the traditional form of classroom teaching? Today in this article, we will talk about the alternatives and can online learning be the one.
What are Online Schools?
Online schools are virtual classrooms wherein students can take classes from anywhere with just internet connectivity and mobile phone. They can take the sessions sitting in a living room, in a library or maybe while drinking coffee. Convenience is one of the major things that makes online learning an eye-catching concept. Online learning is also known as virtual learning, online schools are also referred to as virtual schools. There are many institutions that offer online schools and online learning or distance learning courses. But we can’t neglect the fact that all the students have resources to have access to online learning. According to the studies, students who have opted for online learning are less likely to get graduated in 4 years duration while students with regular public schools option get graduated on time.
How Common is Online Learning?
According to a survey released in 2017 by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Online-only classes are less common in grade schools and middle schools. Nationwide, 21 per cent of all public schools offered at least one virtual class. Online learning has become a popular choice for students nowadays, they tend to choose online learning courses rather than the traditional form of learning. Many high schools offer online learning courses. Online schools need to adhere to the same rules as the traditional schools, that is dealing with the Individual with Disability Act 2015.
Does Online Learning provide special education?
Yes, online schools do provide special education to children with special needs. Online schools just like any other traditional or charter school need to follow the rules and regulations prescribed by the governments that include the Individuals with Disability Education Act. It is true that most online schools don’t have proper laws and setting into how they can provide online learning to children with special needs. According to the researchers many of the online schools were lacking on the following things:
- Providing special education services in an online setting
- Reviewing IEPs before kids enroll in online schools
- Providing examples of appropriate online accommodations
- Identifying online students suspected of having a disability (“ Child Find”)
- Tracking outcomes of students with disabilities in an online setting.
It is always advisable to ask these schools about what procedures they follow and what they have to protect the children’s future with special needs. In no way a child’s future should be at risk.
