Virtual Driver’s Education is the same as the in-person classes, except it takes place online.  Virtual Driver’s Ed has immense benefits, such as the flexibility it allows students.  Being virtual allows classes to be more practical for busy students.  Furthermore, Driver’s Ed as a virtual class is extremely helpful in teaching students how to drive.  The class not only informs students on basic rules of driving, but also teaches students how to succeed on a DMV driving test while ensuring safe driving habits. 

When taking virtual Driver’s Ed, there are three sessions available. This alone makes it much easier as a student to join these classes and learn to drive because it can fit into any schedule regardless of sports or club activities.  With more time available to take these classes, more people are able to learn how to drive, and the fact that they can be done at home makes these classes all the more convenient.  This added convenience makes students more willing to learn from the class.  In-person Driver’s Ed forces students to stay after school or drive somewhere at a specific time whereas virtual Driver’s Ed gives multiple session options that can be taken in the comfort of your own home. The superior choice is clear.

“Virtual Driver’s Ed should be continued to be offered because it is more convenient for the students. More students would be willing to take the course if they don’t have to change already busy schedules around to fit a very inflexible class. The online system gives students much more flexibility with the class being offered multiple times throughout the day allowing students to fit it into their schedules rather than being forced to give up other activities just for this class.” said senior Justin Li.

The usage of virtual learning is not only convenient for the students but for the teacher as well.  The teachers, since they are not forced to stay at school for Driver’s Ed, are able to return home earlier.  Although the amount of time spent is the same, it is more enjoyable to be at home than at school late into the day.

The inefficiency of virtual learning has often been used to argue against the implementation of virtual classes.  However, many students actually prefer virtual learning as it allows them to go at their own pace and fully understand the material.  On top of this, it also gives the students a sense of independence.  The only argument that can be made against virtual Driver’s Ed is that it’s harder to focus in a virtual environment rather than in an in-class environment. However, given the fact that Driver’s Ed is a class that is taken voluntarily, many students will be paying attention and participating in class.

“I believe it to be an effective, yet underrated form of applied education. It negates classroom distractions such as bickering among other students, and it allows for a completely customizable workspace to allow the student to work in an environment that they find comfortable,” said junior Jack Senders.  

The overall effect of virtual learning is extremely similar to that of normal learning: you learn as much as you are willing to.  If a student wants to take out their phone in class, they will not learn anything and it wouldn’t matter if they are virtual or not.  They will actively make the decision to not listen and do worse.  Therefore, virtual learning is more than sufficient for a voluntary class like Driver’s Ed.

Another argument that can be made is that not all students have a computer to use for virtual learning.  Schreiber, however, supplies chromebooks which allow all students to take Driver’s Ed.  

The benefits of virtual Driver’s Ed heavily outweigh the cons.  It is easily accessible, has multiple time slots and sessions, and allows the students to take the class at home.  Virtual Driver’s Ed is overall a very good addition as it allows students a more accessible way to become great drivers.