By Amanda Crane

Inevitability I get asked this often, mostly by teachers who instruct in “live” classrooms.  Some of them are former colleagues, some are complete strangers. I have a few stock answers that I rotate depending on my audience.

I believe there are a variety of ways to learn.

I think this is one of the most important responses. In the traditional classroom there are different learning styles to adapt to, IEPS to consider, and technology to implement.  As teachers we are constantly changing how we teach to benefit our students. Online learning is just another one of those ways.

I have no “shy” students.

There is always that shy student who sits in the back and perhaps feels intimidated and dominated by stronger members of the class. There is none of this in the online environment. I really feel I can get to know each student individually through his or her writing, posts, and e-mails. Students seem to feel much more confident with their classmates because the online world is anonymous and protected.

I have lag time to respond and collect my thoughts.

We all know that teachers have to be quick on their feet. A student may very well ask a question we don’t know the answer to offhand. In addition, a student may fire off an inappropriate comment that would need to be dealt with immediately. If either one of those scenarios happens, I have the benefit of responding within 24 hours (or less if I choose.) Sometimes it helps to take a step back and reflect on the right way to approach a student.

I can go to class and meetings in my pjs.

This is a silly reason, but a great one. It is wonderful to not have to put on “teacher clothes” and makeup every morning. It is also great to be able to attend meetings and trainings in my pajamas at night. I still conduct myself as a professional, and no one knows the difference!

I enjoy being home.

This is a simple but powerful reason. I chose to teach from home so I could be with my children. I can go to the park all morning and grade in the afternoon or evening when my kids are asleep. I save completely on daycare and get to work out of the most comfortable place I can imagine – my home.

I hope these reasons inspire other online teachers to defend their position that online instruction is just as powerful and significant as traditional instruction!

Amanda Crane is a contributing writer and teacher for Advantages Online Private School.  You can read her credentials by visiting our staff page. http://advantagesschool.com/staff.html