There are hundreds of students enrolled in the Kaplan College Preparatory school online. In online school many students frequently keep in contact with there teachers, but I have been wondering how many students actually know their teacher on a more personal level. In this interview I attempt to find out what Mrs. Bernstein, who teaches economics and Geography, really thinks about her own school. Let’s face it, online school has come under criticism from educators around the world who are in disagreement with its teachings and principles. I believe Mrs. Bernstein is the perfect candidate to distinguish whether online school is a valid form of education since she has taught in a traditional school environment before switching over to online school. The following interview are the opinions of how Mrs. Bernstein feels about her own school.

Q.  What made you decide to teach in online school?   

 BB:  After I finished my Masters in Education degree online I felt it was time to take the jump and give online teaching a try. 

Q.  Were you teaching in a traditional school before you started working for Kaplan College Preparatory Online? 

BB:  I taught for 18 years in a traditional classroom.

Q.  Do you believe online school is a better form of learning than a traditional school?

 BB:  I do not think online school is better, I think it is different and appeals to students looking for an alternative way to graduate high school while perusing interest not found in traditional brick and mortar schools.  Online schooling also gives everyone the opportunity to learn on their own timetable. 

Q.  Being that Kaplan is an online school, there is understandably a concern about cheating. How do you feel about this and how can it be improved? 

BB:  I think cheating is a concern in all academia settings.  I have always been more concerned with the learning process.  If a student is part of the process, they will learn and ultimately not have the need or desire to cheat.  If a student thinks he can skip the process and pass by cheating then he is only fooling himself.  As we all know grades are not the only thing that matters.  If a student does not become a part of the learning process they will not score well on standardized test or pass the rigors of college.

Q.  The majority of students in America do not take online school. Why do you think that is?   

BB:  Online school is still new.  Students who presently take online classes do so because it fits into their life and does not stop them from traveling and/or chasing their passions.

Q.  I am Kaplan student and I am currently looking at colleges. Unfortunately, I have heard from a few prestigious universities that they do not feel online school is a sufficient form of learning and in their own words, “it will work against you.” Why do you feel they have this negative opinion about online school?  
 

BB:  I disagree with this statement since many prestigious colleges have their own online degrees.  To name a few:  Cornell, Columbia, University of Florida, Boston University and Notre Dame.

Q.  Many educators argue that online school deprives students of the necessary social skills that are needed to succeed in life. How can online school prepare students with the necessary social skills when the school they are taking is independent and on the computer and not in classroom with other students? 

BB:  Social skills are gathered from many sources. School is just one place.  Children learn socialization in pre-school, on the elementary school playground, in the cafeteria, on the ball field, in dance class, on the court, at the dinner table, at summer camp, but not limited to a classroom.

Q.  Traditional schools have athletics and sports teams. Online school does not. How do you feel about this?

BB:  Sports team are important although statistically does not include as many students are one would think. The percent depends on the size of the average high school.  In smaller public high schools you will see up to 40% of the student body participate on a School Team where as larger schools with up to 4,000 students might only have a 10% participation.  In private schools the numbers are usually between 30-70%.  Students who participate in online schools always have the opportunity to play on local optimist, city leagues, or complete nationally and internationally.  Many of my online students competed nationally in tennis, equestrian competition, skiing, swimming, golf and gymnastics.

Q.  Do you think that online school is the school of the future? 

BB:  Yes although online school is already here and growing every year.

Q.  What aspects do you like best about online school? 

BB:  Online schools give teachers and students the flexibility to work and enjoy their families and hobbies without the typical 8-4 schedule.

Q.  What aspects of online school need to be improved? 

BB:  Online school need to constantly look at new interactive ways for students to have online group settings that provide the students the with ability to interact socially and academically.

Q.  If you have any children are they enrolled in online school? If the answer is no, then why not?   

BB:  My children attend a parochial private preparatory school.

        Q.  Do you see yourself working for Kaplan College Preparatory school for many years to come?

BB:  Yes, I see working with Kaplan for many years while watching it grow and improve every year.