No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, the 2021 elections made one thing clear: parents want a seat at the table when it comes to their kids’ safety in school. As an elementary teacher, I’ll leave opinions about vaccination policies, mask mandates, and school closures to medical, public health, and education administrator experts. But with ten years of experience teaching in traditional, blended, and virtual classrooms, I can attest to the fact that online learning has benefits beyond safety for younger students. Here’s what I’ve seen:
1. Online learning provides flexibility and freedom
When learning from home, students have the option of completing their assignments outside of regular hours. This flexibility is important, as it allows students to take more time on lessons they have difficulty with, or do additional research on topics that interest them. They are also free to take a break when they need to, unlike in a traditional classroom where schedules are much stricter. Encouraging younger students to build their own schedule helps them become more self-disciplined, efficient, and organized.
For this to work, teachers need to clearly communicate their expectations and provide guidance and resources so students can plan out their time and meet deadlines for coursework. Helping students develop good time management skills will go a long way toward making them successful lifelong learners.
2. Students learn in the comfort of home
Students may feel more comfortable in their own living room or bedroom learning environment for a variety of reasons. It can help minimize stress if they are concerned about the safety of a brick-and-mortar school or if they have experienced bullying in their classrooms.
Shy students may find it easier to participate in discussions while in the quieter setting of their own home. For example, some students may be reluctant to ask questions in front of their peers and will feel more comfortable sending a comment or question privately without calling attention to themselves in a classroom environment. This also gives teachers the option to address the student’s question or concern personally.
3. Students may need remote location scheduling and stability
There are many scenarios in which a student may not be able to attend a school with a regular schedule and set hours. Some may have parents who travel for work for long stretches during the regular school year. Students from military families face similar issues, as their parents may be transferred to new locations with little advance notice. And some students may themselves be talented athletes or performers who have commitments during the traditional school day.
Being able to work from a remote location means students can learn on their own time, with the flexibility their family needs.
Gifted students who may become bored with the regular curriculum can benefit from online learning. Working remotely at a faster pace may help them to stay engaged. Teachers can also provide these students with more advanced materials, thus providing a more individualized learning experience. Students who are ill or disabled will also benefit from this personalized focus, as teachers can provide additional time and resources to help them absorb the material.
4. Pace of learning
Not all students learn at the same pace. With an online learning platform, they can pause a lesson if they need more time with it, rewind to review, or fast-forward if the material is something they already understand.
Many online learning programs are designed to be a mixture of self-paced work with scheduled activities, lessons, classes, and deadlines. Both students and teachers can benefit when a student learns at his or her own pace, with the teacher monitoring progress through these scheduled activities, along with individual assessments.
5. Access to learning materials
Learning online means having access to materials 24/7. Not only can students learn at their own pace and on their own schedule, but they can also have access to the Internet for extended research on topics that interest them.
Teachers can help guide their students on where to find additional information related to their lessons. With the right resources, students can gain a deeper knowledge of the subjects being taught and form their own opinions. Students can then engage in more informed and lively online discussions with the teacher and their classmates. An added benefit is the increased technology knowledge and background the student will carry with them as they move forward with their education.
6. Fewer obstacles and distractions to learning
Working remotely means that class size is not an issue. Teachers can monitor each student’s progress, and not be overwhelmed by having to get the attention of each student in a crowded classroom. Students that have behavioral issues will not be influenced to “act out” by seeking attention from their peers. And the quieter students do not have to fear they will be bullied if they give the wrong answer. Teachers can focus on supporting students and addressing their individual needs rather than having to control disruptive behavior.
7. Parents can be more involved
It’s important for parents to be involved with their children’s education, especially in the K-5 grades. Online learning taking place from the home makes this much easier. Parents can assist the teacher in making sure the student is engaged and completing the assignments, and they can be there to provide encouragement and support when the teacher is not available.
Children in the elementary grades are learning habits and developing skills they will carry with them throughout their lives. The more personalized approach that online learning offers brings with it many benefits for the students. And teachers benefit from a deeper understanding of each student’s learning style, interests, and strengths, resulting in stronger relationships and positive academic results.
Kaley Zuniga is a lifelong educator with ten years of teaching experience. She’s taught grades K-5 general education, Math & Science specification, and Support Facilitation for Special Education students. Currently, she is a live teacher and Content Coach with expertise in Coaching, New-Teacher Training and Onboarding, and Professional Development.
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