Duality of Online Learning

During this pandemic, the biggest and most difficult change was when schooling transitioned to an online environment. Online learning and video conferencing platforms such as Zoom and Blue Jeans came into the spotlight when teachers needed a way to virtually connect with their students. Modern technology has fortunately made it possible for us to effectively teach substantial curriculum online. In the past, online learning wasn’t seen as a favorable option. However, now that we understand how difficult it is managing work life balance, online learning is a life saver. 

There has been an abundance of research on the effectiveness of distance learning. Researchers have found that with this type of learning, there are many advantages and disadvantages compared to in-person schooling. Some include:

• Flexibility: One of the biggest pros of learning from home is having flexibility. For both the student and the parent, it’s extremely helpful to be able to have autonomy over their schedules. They’re able to have more control on how to organize lesson plans and homework time. Schooling can now be managed well for even the most chaotic lifestyles. 
• Increased thinking time: As opposed to in-person questions, students now have more time to think about their answers. When replying to discussion questions online, they can stop and consider their thoughts. They can also have more confidence in their answers without feeling judged by their peers. Both students and teachers can have more meaningful conversations in an informed and thoughtful way. 
• Comfortable learning: Students can now spend more time focusing on school and less time on their appearance - they can attend classes in their pajamas and in bed. This allows students to be more focused and comfortable. Research has shown that efficiency can be increased when the environment they work in is favorable. 
• Lower engagement: One major disadvantage of distance learning is lower levels of engagement. Because students are studying at home, they can become easily distracted. They no longer have a place where they can separate their home and school life. 
• Disconnect: Another con is that students may feel that they are not connected with their friends. Before when they went to school, they were able to interact with their friends in a way that’s different from a virtual environment. 

There are many steps that students and parents can take to improve the effectiveness of distance learning. One example is creating a work space that is separate from relaxing spaces. Parents can designate a table or area in the house that is dedicated to school. This helps students balance their school and home life by limiting distractions. Another thing parents can do is making sure that their child is regularly checking in with their teacher and peers. It’s important for students to have a strong support system so that engagement can stay high. For students themselves, they should always remember that with online learning, they have a responsibility to keep themselves up to date. They can’t always rely on someone to guide them through their schedules. This helps them develop skills on responsibility and autonomy which are necessary for their future. It’s important to keep in mind the importance of distance learning and how different it is from the traditional method of schooling. 

Reference
Moore, J. L., Dickson-Deane, C. & Gaylen, K. (2011). E-Learning, online learning, and distance learning environments: Are they the same?. The Internet and Higher Education, 14(2), 129-135. doi:10.1016/j.iheduc.2010.10.001