Virtual Learning

So, you just learned that your child’s school will remain closed for another month. Horrifying, right? Maybe you feel like screaming or don’t know what to do. You’ve already tried virtual learning for many months, and you and your child are both tired. Unfortunately, you can’t do much until the pandemic ends. This is why you must focus on the things you can do. So instead of worrying about what’s not in your control, like government policies, turn to what is. Are there any ways you can improve your child’s virtual learning experience? For instance, can you buy or build your child a study desk? Or can you invest in Cox Gigablast 1GBPs internet to reduce learning lags?

If you fear that you’re failing as a parent by not ensuring the best study environment for your child, don’t. First of all, realize that you’ve been juggling a lot of duties. It’s not so easy to keep changing hats. So, instead of buckling under pressure, look at the bright side of things. If you have more time to spend with your child, don’t take it for granted. Consider this a unique chance to impart life lessons to your kid. And if you follow some simple steps, you can do it all with ease.

#1 Set a Routine

If your home is your child’s school, for now, prepare accordingly. This means you should try and recreate a proper school routine. To ensure that none of your days go to waste, draw up a schedule. Make a timetable for your kid that covers everything. For instance, decide on a fixed time for your child to wake up, attend classes, and do homework. It’s good if you also assign a bedtime for your child. Remember, it’s not the holidays!

Moreover, if your child doesn’t have to attend live classes, pretend that they do. This way, you will ensure that no class is skipped. Also, set different times for different subjects. Remember to schedule in short pauses and a longer lunch break!

#2 Remember Recreation

In focusing on subjects like Science and Math, don’t forget extra-curricular activities! Don’t make your child skip any classes like Arts or P.E because you think they’re not important. After studying for hours, kids need creative outlets. So, encourage your child to be creative. You can also give your child some extra lessons like music and gaming on your own. In case your child is struggling with distractions, maybe you can show them some educational videos.

#3 Set Up a Study Corner

It can be very hard to concentrate on work at home, even for adults. That’s why you should ensure that your child has a dedicated part of the house for studying. This doesn’t even have to be a proper desk. As long as the place is quiet and comfortable, it works.

But not too comfortable! You don’t want your child to study in bed. It’s not for places of work and rest to be the same, because it blurs the line between the two. Often, if we do stressful things like homework in places where we’re supposed to be relaxed, our minds get confused. So, don’t make your child do things they don’t like in their happy places! For instance, their bed, or their play area.

#4 Offer Encouragement

If the current situation is stressful for you, it’s more so for your child. While you may be able to rationalize why this is happening, your child can’t. Away from friends, school, and a healthy routine, your child is probably struggling. So, encourage them as often as you can. Do this by acknowledging all your child’s efforts. By rewarding good work with praise, treats, or simply kindness, you can make a huge difference. Your child’s mental well-being should be your primary concern.

#5 Stay Involved

It may be hard to keep up with everything but try your best. If your child has any tests coming up, you should be aware. Then, help your child prepare for them. Also, keep track of any special days! During online school, many teachers arrange virtual events like show-and-tell or a theme day to keep kids happy. Ask your child if anything like this is coming up. This way, you can ensure your child takes part and has fun! Of course, the best way to stay involved is by asking your child. Keep asking for updates on their day, feelings, and any struggles. Your child will be grateful.

The advancement of technology has made its presence felt in every aspect of your life, especially in education. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic swept the entire world, students were familiar with online tools like a citation machine or an essay generator.

However, the global pandemic was the catalyst that pushed virtual learning into the limelight. As more and more people understand how effective and convenient this method is, its popularity grows daily.

How Is Virtual Learning More Convenient?

There are many reasons online learning has grown in popularity in recent years. With easy access to portable devices and high-speed internet, you can learn anything you want from the comfort of your home.

Additionally, it is the best option for those who wish to learn while juggling a part-time or full-time job and additional courses. Those who have grown up with only the traditional learning method might look at this form of learning with suspicion. But there’s no doubt that many people have already accepted it with open arms.

How Does Virtual Education Impact Higher Learning?

The shift from the traditional to virtual means of education might be slow, but it is happening nonetheless. Any educational institution that fails to adopt the current trends risk falling behind. Therefore, you’ll notice that many schools and universities offer online courses on top of their usual traditional curriculum.

But the question remains- is this online method as effective as traditional learning? In Cengage’s recent Digital Learning Pulse Survey, almost 73% of the 1469 students said they’d love to continue some of their classes online.

On that note, let’s look at the role that virtual learning plays in higher education.

1. It lessens the time you need to complete a course

Many higher education courses take a minimum of three to five years to complete. However, virtual learning reduces this time significantly by embracing self-learning. Classes that are more theory-based and don’t require much discussion on the part of the professor are delivered through videos that students can watch any time they wish.

2. More opportunities for universities to approach research-based learning

Institutions transforming theory-based classes to video lessons allow professors to dedicate more time to research-based learning. In addition, this encourages the students to think outside the box and grasp the concept of research paper writing quickly.

3. Gives access to students who cannot attend traditional classes

One of the most significant impacts of virtual learning is the increased opportunities for students to gain access to education. Many times, it is impossible to attend classes due to the location being far away. Online education removes this obstacle and helps students gain access to courses from any part of the world.

4. Provides a more personalised learning experience

It’s always important to note that all students do not learn at the same pace. In the traditional learning method, professors can’t give individual attention to every student’s needs. However, technology has opened the gates to AI learning modes where the online software can provide a personalised learning experience based on your capabilities.

5. Cost-effectiveness makes this method more accessible

The rising costs of higher education have forced many students to give up on their dreams. However, virtual learning provides a more cost-effective alternative. You don’t have to pay for the maintenance fee, electricity bills, laboratory or library fees. Thus, taking online courses is the best way to avoid falling into debt.

6. Learn whatever you wish

Through online learning, you are not confined to any geographical location. As a result, it becomes possible to learn Japanese from a native sitting from the comfort of your home. It doesn’t matter if the educator is on the opposite side of the earth. Technology makes it possible to connect by removing all geographical barriers.

However, despite so many benefits, virtual learning is yet to win the hearts of many.

Are There Any Disadvantages To Virtual Learning?

The experience of learning in a traditional method is significantly different from taking online classes. As a result, many students have been unable to accept the shift in platforms wholeheartedly, especially post-pandemic when it is no longer an option but a necessity. Moreover, this learning method is not without its fair share of shortcomings.

1. Inequal access to those without internet

A high-speed internet connection is still unavailable in many parts of the world. In addition, students of many countries cannot afford the devices necessary to gain access to virtual learning. As a result, they can’t access simple tools like a wordcounter, let alone entire higher education courses.

2. Assessments are dicey at best

Despite the best technologies, universities have been unable to find any countermeasures for eliminating cheating during online examinations. Most of the time, students are usually one step ahead, and not even AI technology can stop some from adopting unfair means. As a result, recruiters take such online examinations with a pinch of salt, making it harder for the students to land good jobs.

3. A perpetual feeling of detachment

In the traditional education system, students are more active participants through their interactions with professors and classmates. However, the isolation that inevitably comes with virtual learning has given rise to a feeling of detachment inside students.

4. Increased feeling of stress and physical ailments

According to University Business’ survey on college students post-pandemic, about 72.5% admitted that they’d rather return to campus than continue with their online classes. The constant exposure to devices has left the students feeling more stressed, tired and worn out all the time.

Summing it up,

Virtual learning continues to be a popular option in many households as more institutions adapt themselves to the shift in education methods. As there is much to improve concerning this form of learning, it doesn’t seem like the traditional method will disappear anytime soon. However, you can expect virtual learning to gain more popularity with time.

Author bio:

Alley John is a professional academic assistant at a reputed online writing service. He has helped hundreds of students with their assignments and is currently pursuing her PhD. Collins loves to write poetry and aims to publish her works soon.