Introduction
Are you thinking of starting online schools for your child? Many parents are considering online school for their children. The question is, what determines if a child is ready to be enrolled in an online learning program? Many factors can determine this readiness. Below are five characteristics that can help parents decide if the online school fits their child.
5 signs that your child is ready for online schools!
1. Your child is motivated to learn.
Motivation is the most crucial factor in determining whether your child should attend an online school or not. Online schools rely heavily on cognitive skills and self-motivation. If your child does not possess the cognitive skills needed for success, they will be frustrated and unmotivated in a classroom setting.
2. Your child has good cognitive skills.
Online schools will rely heavily on cognitive skill development because cognitive skills are the foundation for most academic curriculums. Online technology also depends on cognitive ability to learn in a virtual classroom setting. If your child does not possess these cognitive abilities, it will be complicated to succeed online. This is why cognitive skills are an essential indication of readiness for an online school.
3. Your child has a persistent cerebral style.
Online learning requires persistence because it takes longer to master cognitive skills online than in a classroom setting. Kids who are not persistent will lose their motivation and give up before fully developing the cognitive skill sets necessary for an online school environment. If your child has the cognitive skills and cognitive persistence needed for success, they will have the cognitive abilities to succeed online.
4. Your child is an independent learner.
Students who succeed in online schools have cognitive skills that allow them to learn independently. They can seek out cognitive stimulation independently-reading books, talking with other kids (online or in-person), watching educational videos and so on. If your child does not have the cognitive skills needed for independent learning, they will likely find it challenging to do well in an online school.
5. Your child can use a phone, tablet or computer screen independently.
Students who succeed in online schools can interact cognitively with a device. They can use a computer (or smartphone) with ease, whether through a mouse, keyboard or touch screen. If they cannot cognitively interact with the device, you give them for writing papers and doing homework, which will likely inhibit their progress in an online school.
Benefits of online schools for your child!
1. No more excuses!
There’s no way to get around it; kids will always make excuses regarding their studies. “I don’t know what to do.” “I need help with this.” “This is too hard for me”. Online schools take away the excuse that your child doesn’t have any cognitive abilities because they can figure out what’s “hard” and what’s not with a few cognitive tests that are usually completed before enrolling in the school. If your child cannot cognitively interact with a device, you’re going to provide for them, and they will be unable to complete their homework.
2. No geographical limitations!
Most online schools have no geographical limitations. Their contact with teachers and other students is done through video conferencing software which can be accessed from any device with a camera. This gives your child the freedom to live anywhere in the world, while getting an education that’s on par with their cognitive abilities.
3. No classroom distractions!
One of the most significant barriers to cognitive development is having to deal with classroom distractions. Often, this barrier can and does hurt cognitive growth of the child.
4. Helps your child avoid social problems!
Being online doesn’t mean that your child will be isolated from other students or people around them. While most schools do have a minimum requirement for hours spent socializing, many online schools offer even more excellent opportunities for your child to connect with other students within the school.
5. College acceptance!
Being accepted to college on a cognitive level does not come easy. However, if you choose online schools that focus on cognitive development and ensure that every student is learning at their own pace – then your child is already ahead of the cognitive game.
6. It’s convenient!
With an online school, you no longer have to worry about transportation or extracurricular activities being in your way – because both are entirely accessible from home via the internet.
7. Improve grades!
Going to online schools is a great way to ensure that your child is focusing on cognitive skills instead of social interactions. Some studies have found that students had a much easier time taking online courses and were motivated to demonstrate cognitive improvements in the classroom.
8. It keeps you involved!
There are no more communication issues with an online school with teachers and parents to stay closely involved throughout the school year.
9. All of your child’s teachers are available!
You will no longer be limited to a few interactions per semester with your child’s teacher – you will have access to every aspect of learning whenever you need it and from wherever you choose to access it.
Conclusion
In the digital age, parents need to be proactive about their child’s education. We have to know when our children are ready to enrol in a brick and mortar school and if they’re prepared for online schools or homeschooling. It can be difficult as a parent to know what your child can do independently without you being there with them every step of the way. The internet offers many ways to learn more about parenting so that we can make wise decisions when it comes time for us to let go just a little more and allow our kids some independence from us. What signs did you notice in your child before they were wholly independent? We would love to know!
