Written by Kate Kulinsky
Since its conception in 2005, nearly 200,000 students have enrolled in the North Carolina Virtual Public School System (NCVPS). NCVPS is the second largest virtual school in the United States, offering over 396 courses in the Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. With classes ranging from Medieval Studies to AP Computer Science, Ardrey Kell students may see NCVPS as an opportunity to increase rigor or enhance one’s education. But what is the catch? Is E-Learning a viable option for everyone?
Because success in one is entirely up to the individual, online classes require, above all, a student who is self-motivated. A computer screen lacks the incentives of a traditional classroom setting so by extension, you are expected to meet deadlines, complete coursework, and understand content without anyone’s prompting. For many students, these are difficult responsibilities to keep.
On the flipside, E-Learning offers a unique advantage; flexibility. Online students have the ability to set their own learning pace and style. They can also mold instructional time around their schedules--a luxury not given to traditional students. Finally, NCVPS offers interesting courses that students would otherwise miss out on. Languages such as Russian, Japanese, or Arabic, for instance, often lack qualified, available teachers. Visit the wesbite to view a comprehensive course selection. In short, online classes benefit committed, organized students, but can hinder procrastinators.
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