During Coronavirus, students had to adapt to a sudden change of lifestyle, especially in school. While many were ready to get back into the normal routine of physically going back to school, some were already doing school online or preferred to stay that way. 

As technology advances, the option to do learning at home has become more open, accessible, and tempting. But is it the best option for you? Though the idea of getting schoolwork done, at home and in your pajamas, sounds appealing, there is more to online school than that.  

At the start of the school year, along with the usual school supplies, what’s primarily needed is a laptop. This means you get a flexible schedule instead of being bound to a classroom half the day. You can study at your own pace, at the times that work best for you, and you can get a job as a full-time student while still getting all your work completed.  

Though being at home is one of the main advantages, it is also one of the main disadvantages. With traditional school, you get the opportunity to create relationships with other students and teachers around you, in addition, attending regular school activities such as pep rallies and after school clubs can be a challenge. 

Since online school is generally self-guided, getting an instructor’s attention isn’t as easy as raising your hand. This can, especially, be disappointing if you’re trying to find quick answers. Luckily, most programs give you the option to set up tutoring sessions in your area. 

Despite the lack of professional help, you can benefit from a better sleep schedule, because it’s at your own pace, and you don’t have to worry about waking up early. When you don’t have to get ready and go to school at specific times, you’re in control of your learning. 

Studies show that if allowed to sleep on their own schedule, many teenagers will sleep for eight or more hours a night, sleeping from 11 p.m. or from midnight to 8 or 9 a.m., but because of the time most schools start, teens are forced to wake up much earlier in the morning. 

Due to a biological delay in the sleep-wake cycle, many teens don’t fall asleep early enough to get eight hours of sleep or more to get to school on time. Being able to choose when you get up gives you better rest and helps you manage your day. 

Choosing when and how you do things can also be a burden. Traditional schooling allows you to focus on the teacher in the classroom. Working at home, you’re more prone to distractions. With social media and streaming apps, like Snapchat and Netflix, along with video games, it’s easy to lose focus and procrastinate through the day. 

It can be hard, but not impossible, to distance yourself from daily temptations. Limiting distractions, working in an area away from any electronics, or working away from home, like in a library, are all ways you can stay focused. 

Online school can be a good lifestyle, depending on what you want from your high school experience. If you are an independent student with self-control and focused on pursuing your career, it may be the best choice for you. But if you enjoy the social experience, sports competitions and extracurricular activities in a traditional school setting, online learning may not be the right choice for you.