Written by Sakina
The virtualization of everything has become one of the defining features since the pandemic. Many parents are looking into virtual avenues of learning to keep their child stay informed and learn new skills. There are many benefits to virtual learning for both children and parents.
Flexibility for All
The biggest advantage is the level of flexibility offered through virtual learning. It is flexible in teachers, schedules, and places of learning.
There is a myriad of teachers out there, each with their own curriculum planning and method of teaching. Some teachers have years of teaching a set curriculum, while others experiment and are constantly altering their curriculum to suit the needs of their clients. Every subject under the Sun can be taught by someone, from Anthropology to Zoology. Children can pick and choose the topics they enjoy, earning new skills and information from a skilled educator. Parents can help pick a teacher that fits the needs of their children and their schedule. Include your children in the decision-making process to ensure there is a fit.
Having the ability to change your child’s teaching schedule can be a big help. It brings freedom into family schedules and allows families to engage in different activities. Classes can be taught without the stress of worrying about schedule clashes, transport times and last-minute changes. Classes also work on most devices so there is no need to worry about having a specific device. Just make sure you have a decent internet connection and the classes are bound to go fruitfully.
When most of us think back to when we had the best time in school, most memories are of those that were around field trips or game-based activities. Research has shown that engaged learning helps cement lessons better. Games help make learning more engaging by introducing an active element. It also introduces a re-playability element, which makes reviewing material more enjoyable. Learning also doesn’t have to take place in a room, a backyard element or trip to the park can bring forth more opportunities to learn and can allow for tangential learning to take place. The online platform introduces many different ways of learning, ensuring everyone can learn as much as they can.
Building up a child
Another benefit is that it builds independence, self-motivation and self-discipline in a child. By having classes they are interested in, paired with motivating online learning, children can independently learn and become independently motivated to learn. They also learn to create their own schedules and learn that it is ok to work at their own pace. Being responsible for their own learning and progress can aid in learning how to become independent. There are also tangible, real-time results that children can see and further motivate themselves by.
The internet space can also become a pillar of support for children. With supervision from parents, the internet can help replace the in-person community children had. There are many safe online chat platforms for children to navigate and feel part of a community. Community programs have also moved online and these can be accessed by the family unit to aid in bonding and substantial family time.
Overall, online learning allows for flexibility while teaching independence. Parents are encouraged to tap into their online village to help create learning opportunities for their children.
References
@DreamBox_Learn. (2008, November 05). 8 Ways Online Learning Really Benefits Kids (and Parents). Retrieved January 11, 2021, from https://www.dreambox.com/blog/8-ways-online-learning-really-benefits-kids-and-parents
Barone, R. (2020, March 20). 5 Advantages of Online Learning & Classes for Kids: Benefits for New eLearners. Retrieved January 11, 2021, from https://www.idtech.com/blog/advantages-of-online-learning
Street, E. (2020, July 17). 7 Compelling Benefits of Online Learning. Retrieved January 11, 2021, from https://www.learningliftoff.com/7-compelling-benefits-of-online-learning/