The transition to online classes hasn’t been the easiest. But the arrangement offers numerous advantages. Given how virtual education is shaping and changing the way students and teachers come together, it’s not all that much of a surprise to find out that many in the industry believe virtual classes are here to stay. Even when in-person classes start again, schools all the world over are already learning from the experience and trying to find ways to incorporate more virtual classes into the curriculum. If you’re curious about that, here’s a look at some of the ways that online programmes affect K-12 students like your child.
Holistic Approach
More and more teachers are testing out learning approaches to see which ones have the best impact on the kids. Given the distance, many instructors have discovered that using a holistic approach in teaching the lessons garner much more positive outcomes. Students rely less on when or where and now concentrate more on what and how processes, as well. That change in their language and mindset reflects the change in their learning environments.
Better Communication
A lot of students feel that virtual education learning has led to isolation. To an extent, this is true, as students take classes from their rooms. When they take lunch or eat snacks, they won’t be able to go to the rooftop with their friends or hang out with other kids in their classrooms. They can’t go to the nearest kombini to buy snacks with their friends on their way home from Japan School. However, e-classes mean that they can reach out and stay in touch with their classmates and friends from anywhere. Whether their classmates are back in Tokyo or somewhere in Kanagawa, Miyajima, or Kobe, collaborating on projects, having group discussions or working on an assignment together is much easier. Technology dissolves the geographical barriers between them and makes it easier for them to connect from anywhere, anytime.
Improves Interactions
Some teachers block off certain hours of their week and encourage students to book those books if they want to consult about something. Some students, though, run into a few snags. They have class so they miss those slots or they sign up but there aren’t any more slots. Through online learning, though, students can ask teachers nearly all the time. If they have a question, they can send off a message and their teachers can answer, depending on when they’re free or comfortable. Meaning, their interactions aren’t confined to set hours any longer and that freer approach makes it possible for the kids and teachers to cover a range of concerns and questions.
Ideal for Introverts
Many students, though, find the virtual classes much better. Schools often tend to have an unfair appreciation for extroverts, in the sense that it’s easy to sense and gauge their participation in the classroom. For introverts—who dislike speaking in front of the class—the virtual classes offer them plenty of ways to participate and still be comfortable. For instance, they can still chat with their classmates and teachers. This is why many schools are seeing their students blossom at this time.
Self-Paced Learning
One of the best things about online classes is that teachers can pre-record their sessions. That means kids can take the courses on their own and study the material at their own pace. They won’t have to feel any pressure from being left behind or by not understanding the lesson when some of their classmates have already grasped the concept or ideas. They can take their time until they master the material before they can move on to the next chapter. That helps their self-esteem. Mastery of the chapter can give them a small glow of accomplishment and that improves their motivation levels too, improving their study efforts.
Easy Repetition
The good thing about pre recorded sessions is that when kids don’t quite catch a word or phrase, they can repeat that section of the video until they get it right. That’s easier than having to raise a hand up in class and ask the teacher to repeat what s/he said. Also, they can go over the lecture for as many times as they want. If they forget something or they need to hear the process again, they can hit rewind and play.
Plenty of Opportunities
Many Secondary schools are taking advantage of virtual education classes to provide a variety of activities and programmes to their students. Many of these include cooking classes or even sports. Even in the absence of in-person sessions, students are still given exercises and walked through routines that keep them physically fit and healthy. Some also discover their love of cooking, the arts, or some of the other co-curricular or extracurricular activities.
Virtual education is a huge shift from traditional in-person classes. But the change doesn’t have to be bad. Many schools are fast finding that out.
