Study Highlights the Benefits of Online Learning for Hospital-Homebound Students

Hospital-homebound students face a variety of situations that can interfere with their educational and personal wellbeing. For example, frequent absenteeism from brick-and-mortar institutions results in missed opportunities as well as challenges with reentering school1. Online education may provide an opportunity for these students to move forward in their education2 and help them overcome or avoid educational and social barriers3. 

Despite the benefits of online schooling to students and families, research that considers how students who face healthcare challenges can succeed online has much room to grow4. Faculty in pediatric medicine from the University of Florida reached out to Florida Virtual School about continuing this important work, and we knew right away that we should establish a research partnership.