Going to a virtual school can be dangerous, so make sure you weigh your options carefully. Always make sure you choose a school that has a solid reputation and has been certified by several accreditation bodies. Also, check to see how the work you complete at the virtual school can transfer to other institutions. This will give you an idea of how other schools view your virtual school.

The positives of going to a virtual school are:

1. Flexibility - you can usually study when you want, how you want, and where you want. Flexibility cannot be overstated, it is the primary reason to choose a virtual school. You can tailor your class schedule to work around any disabilities you may have, unusual working periods, or other reasons that forced you to choose a virtual school.

2. Cost - virtual schools tend to be an inexpensive option because of their low-costs for content delivery. They do not have to pay for a classroom with a teacher, and a projector, ....you get the idea.

3. Maintaining Employment - you may no longer need to quit your full-time job to attend school. Now you can take courses on the side while working full-time; this helps you honor you commitments.

4. Broad Student Population - the people that attend virtual schools can be quite a varied bunch. If you get the opportunity to talk with them

5. Low Barriers to Entry - virtual schools are usually less competitive so they allow students with less than perfect records to attend. This doesn't mean the programs are any less rigorous, just that less applicants are fighting for a limited number of spots.

6. Skills - you will learn how to be a self-motivated, independent learner, or you will quickly perish at a virtual school. No one is going to hold your hand.

The negatives of going to a virtual school are:

1. Isolation - you will be completing most of your coursework in an independent manner, on your own time. Physical interaction with teachers, peers, and even having a desk to sit in may not be an option. You should make sure you have other activities or family to keep you from feeling lonely and cut-off from the rest of society.

2. Employer Hesitations - employers generally have a difficult time determining exactly what your school taught you in the first place. With a virtual school they may be especially sensitive to the reputation of your school.

3. Ease of Cheating - cheating is a problem in normal schools, with a virtual school the problems become more

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about Virtual schools: Pros and cons?
We want to hear your view. Write now!