Letter to the editor: Preparation key to success of online learning

The current school closures have created many challenges. Fortunately, with proper planning and a willingness to try new things, both students and teachers can succeed.

I have been teaching online for almost 18 years. Teaching within the virtual environment has many benefits. Mostly, I enjoy teaching students from all across Pennsylvania. It’s nice to have such diverse students in a classroom providing their perspectives on the variety of topics that we cover.

Online teachers have to be organized. They need to be able to think outside of the box and come prepared for the class. They can’t expect to just “show up” to class and think it will go well.

Virtual education requires commitment by everyone involved. Students need to be prepared, organized and disciplined. Teachers can’t procrastinate and must make sure they stay on top of things to do well.

Cyberschool is a real and valuable model of education. It is a way for students to receive a high-quality education regardless of their circumstances. And in these challenging times, we can all work together to develop new and best practices that can enable all students to achieve their academic goals.

Online schooling can be just as challenging, if not more so, than regular brick-and-mortar education. But, with proper planning and preparation, anyone can succeed.

Andrea Wasil

Mt. Pleasant Township