The COVID-19 pandemic forced schools across the globe to shut down.
As a result, more than 1 billion students worldwide were forced out of the classroom, and distance learning became the new norm.
But just how much has the pandemic fueled the growth of online high schools? Let’s find out.
Enrollment in Virtual Schools Spiked During the Pandemic
Distance learning isn’t a new concept. Prior to the pandemic, enrollment in virtual schools had been on the rise, but the closures of classrooms caused enrollment to spike.
According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, states that already had established and large virtual learning enrollment saw the biggest enrollment spikes. In some states, enrollment more than doubled during lockdowns.
Previously, younger students were less likely to enroll in online schools. However, during the pandemic, enrollment in K-5 classrooms jumped by 112%. Enrollment for students in grades 6 and above only jumped by 23%.
Virtual learning across the globe has increased since the start of the pandemic.
Across the globe, the e-learning industry is expected to grow to more than $240 billion this year. That’s not surprising since virtual learning has grown over 900% over the last 22 years.
While virtual classrooms are popping up across the world, the U.S. and Europe account for the majority of the global e-learning industry.
What Does Virtual Learning Mean for the Future of Education?
Although most schools have resumed in-classroom learning, online schools remain a popular option for students.
In 2021, reports showed that 13,000 school districts in the U.S. had established virtual schools and planned to keep them open. These are standalone schools with their own teachers and work only with remote students.
- Fulton County Schools in Atlanta, Georgia had planned to enroll 1,000 students in its online school in the fall of 2021.
- Anchorage School District expected 2,000 students to attend its online school in the 2021-2022 school year.
Remote learning offers many benefits to students, and with more families growing accustomed to this learning environment, distance learning will likely continue to be a part of education for years to come.
Online schools have the advantage of allowing students to learn at their own pace and to review material whenever needed to improve information retention.
other related articles of interest:
Make the Switch: Why Online School is the Future of Healthcare Education
Of course, virtual learning environments have their disadvantages as well. Students lose many of the social aspects of in-classroom learning. In addition, younger students may lose the physical activity that comes with recess and gym class. However, there are ways to overcome these obstacles to make remote learning just as effective and beneficial as in-classroom learning.
While many students will return to brick-and-mortar schools, there will be a sizable number of students choosing online schools and remote learning. Every student has a different preference for learning. Many excel with online homeschooling and find that they are better able to grasp the concepts being taught.
Now that the technology has been adopted and used by students across the globe, online schools and virtual classrooms will continue to be a part of a standard education for children.
Image Credit: the growth of online schools by twenty20.com
end of post … please share it!
STARTING COLLEGE: dorm management ideas
Comments