The Impact of Online Schooling on Student Achievement and Engagement | Jeff Horton | Special Education | Duluth, Minnesota

Jeff Horton
2 min readMar 26, 2024

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The pandemic led to a rapid shift towards online schooling, with many schools and universities worldwide adopting online learning models to ensure continuity of education. While online schooling has its challenges, it also has the potential to impact student achievement and engagement positively.

One of how online schooling can improve student achievement is through personalized learning. Online learning platforms can provide students with individualized learning experiences tailored to their needs and learning styles. This can help students to learn more effectively and improve their understanding of the material. Additionally, online platforms can provide real-time feedback on student performance, allowing students to identify areas of weakness and work to improve them.

Another advantage of online schooling is that it gives students access to many resources. Online platforms can provide students with interactive multimedia materials, such as videos, animations, and simulations, to improve student engagement and understanding of complex concepts. Additionally, online platforms can provide students with access to a wide range of online libraries and databases, which can help students conduct research and access a wealth of information.

Online schooling can also improve student engagement by providing a more flexible learning experience. Online platforms allow students to learn at their own pace and in their own time, which helps keep students engaged and motivated. Additionally, online platforms can provide students with more opportunities for collaboration and interaction with their peers through features such as discussion forums and virtual classrooms.

However, there are challenges associated with online schooling that can impact student achievement and engagement. One of the most significant challenges is the need for more social interaction. Online education can be isolating for students, negatively impacting their engagement and motivation. Additionally, online schooling requires a lot of self-discipline and motivation, which can be challenging for some students.

In conclusion, online schooling has the potential to impact student achievement and engagement positively. It provides students with personalized learning experiences, access to various resources, and a flexible learning experience. However, it is vital to address the challenges associated with online schooling, such as the lack of social interaction and the need for self-discipline and motivation, to ensure that all students have access to quality education and the opportunity to succeed.

Originally published at https://jeffhorton.co on March 26, 2024.

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Jeff Horton

Jeff Horton is a Duluth-based educator, superintendent, technology enthusiast, and believer in representation. Learn more @ http://jeffhorton.info/.