Traditional High School Versus Online High School

An online high school teaches students using classes accessed on the Internet.

Traditionally, students learn by attending classes in a physical high school. The online community calls this a brick-and-mortar school. An online high school teaches students using classes accessed on the Internet. Both instructional delivery systems use curriculum that matches state standards and both hire certified teachers.

Curriculum and Socialization

State standards guide curriculum. state capitol image by morsted from Fotolia.com

State standards guide curriculum for both traditional and online schools. Curriculum directors and teachers develop units that meet these standards. For example, if a state mandate requires research writing for 12th graders, seniors in both schools would write research papers. Traditional students have more daily interaction with other students, but online students also interact with each other through tools such as discussion boards and wikis. A 2008 study "Socialization in Online Schools" by the Center for Research in Educational Policy found that online students had equal, and in some cases superior, social skills when compared with traditional students.

Synchronous Versus Asynchronous Learning

Sychronous learning occurs in real time. learn g image by Andrey Kiselev from Fotolia.com

In synchronous learning, instructors teach concepts to a group of students at a particular time and space. Most traditional learning is synchronous. Asynchronous learning occurs most often in online schools and does not occur at the same time. Digital folders contain assignments and resources for students. Usually the assigned unit work must be completed within a 1-to-2-week period, but students can choose when they complete it. Asynchronous learning has the advantage of flexibility but does require a self-directed learner.

Classroom Management

Principals review quality of instruction. Greek high school at Istanbul image by TekinT from Fotolia.com

In traditional high schools, teachers physically meet with students at a set time daily. They learn about the students as individuals and can easily communicate with them. Online teachers often have to work harder at creating personal relationships. Most online high schools ask the teachers to call all students at the beginning of the course and to answer any student emails within 24 hours. This helps students feel connected. Both high schools have a principal who reviews the quality of instruction and who helps the teacher or student if any problems arise.

Discussion

Students discuss questions in both school settings. question mark 4 image by chrisharvey from Fotolia.com

Discussion occurs in both traditional and online high schools. In traditional schools a teacher asks students questions. The instructor calls on students or asks for volunteers, and students respond orally. In an online high school, a teacher posts questions for each unit to a discussion board. Students are asked to respond both to the teacher's questions and to other students' answers. They may post answers at different times. Traditional discussion has the advantage of immediacy. Online discussion allows for increased thinking time and greater participation.

Teachers

Certified teachers are hired by both school types. the teacher image by 26kot from Fotolia.com

Traditional and online schools require certified teachers. Both delivery systems want teachers who are highly qualified in their content area. In addition, teachers should know how to differentiate instruction and create individualized educational plans when needed or required by law. Traditional schools often offer more curriculum discretion. Online schools usually have units developed by curriculum directors, which can be modified only by experienced teachers. Most online schools also require proficiency in technological software and may require instruction or certification on facilitating effective online instruction.

References

• Educause Quarterly: Asynchronous and Synchronous E-Learning
• Interactive Educational System Design: Socal Skills of Mainstream Students in Full-time Online Public Schools
• North America Council for Online Learning: National Standards