text: Online school may benefit students that have conditions preventing them from coming to school. For instance, a student may have health conditions that keep them at home or even in the hospital, and that includes mental health conditions as well. Some students may have a disease or disorder so debilitating that they cannot get out of bed some mornings. These afflictions may be long-term and may keep them bedridden or even in the hospital. Many childrens' hospitals have school-like systems already in place and communications with a patient's school so that no one falls behind in their studies while they receive treatment, but most times that is not enough. Additionally, students that come from less fortunate backgrounds may have duties at home to perform, like caring for family members or working to make money for the family. Some schools recognize the responsibilities a student may have at home and supply them their papers and materials, but then again, very few offer that type of compassion. While the student receives the school materials they need, they do not get to participate in discussion or attend lectures that help to solidify the information. But with distance learning, the student is able to participate in class online while they cannot be physically present.