Is Your Gifted Child Ready for Online Learning?

What is it about?

Virtual classrooms, which have grown at an unprecedented rate in recent years, represent a unique opportunity for gifted students who do not have appropriate educational options in their brick-and-mortar schools. Students who are engaged in online learning have access to flexible, high quality curricula and can be grouped with their intellectual peers. However, parents who are interested in online learning for their children should first take the time to comprehensively evaluate whether an online program is actually a good fit. This article presents parents with 10 questions that can help them to determine whether their child is ready for online education.

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Why is it important?

While the growth and popularity of online learning might make it attractive to gifted students and their families, the choice to engage in fully virtual learning must be carefully considered. Mismatches in maturity, time management, technological ability, communication techniques, reading comprehension, and other characteristics can create frustration for students, parents, and teachers. Online learning should be celebrated as a flexible medium for gifted education, as it offers this special population flexibility, choice, and intellectual challenges. However, Online learning must also be respected as a significant commitment that should be considered with all the diligence one might for a brick-and-mortar school. The authors contend that if the focus remains on readiness, families can expect a successful and effective educational experience for their gifted children via online learning.

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