Online schooling is not just for lockdowns. Could it work for your child?

During COVID almost all Australian students and their families experienced online learning. But while schools have long since gone back to in-person teaching, online learning has not gone away. What are online schools doing now? What does the research say? And how do you know if they might be a good fit for your child?

Online learning in Australia

• While learning in COVID lockdowns was extremely tough, it also showed schools, students and parents the potential benefits of online learning for a wider range of students.
• This can include greater accessibility (learning from any location) and flexibility (personalised, self-paced learning).
• This has prompted an expansion of online learning options in Australia.

Primary and high school options

• For example, Monash University has a free virtual school with revision sessions for Year 12 students.
• Read more:
  Australia has a new online-only private school: what are the options if the mainstream system doesn't suit your child?

What about academic outcomes?

• Research on the academic outcomes of distance education students is inconclusive.
• A 2017 study of primary and high school students in Ohio found reduced academic progress in reading, maths, history and science.
• Another 2017 US study also found online students had lower graduation rates than their in-person peers.

What about wellbeing?

• This includes access to specialists such as psychologists, nurses and social workers.
• Some research has noted concerns about online student engagement, social isolation, sense of belonging and social and emotional development.

Is online learning a good fit for your child?

• However, if certain subjects are unavailable, or health, elite sport and distance to school make in-person learning difficult, learning online could be a viable option to consider.
• Because online learning tends to be a mix of live lessons and self-paced learning, online students need to be independent, motivated and organised to succeed.

Brendon Hyndman is Senior Manager - Research, Innovation and Impact with Brisbane Catholic Education. Vaughan Cruickshank does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.