7 Benefits of Virtual Learning + How To Support Your Child
The COVID-19 pandemic forced many aspects of our lives to go remote, including education. While many schools have gone back to in-person classes, the situation showed many just how valuable online learning can be for teachers, students, and their families. Because of all the benefits of virtual learning for students that were revealed in recent years, some families still opt for online programs for their children.
Here are just a few of the many benefits of a virtual learning environment, including how you can help your child navigate it and be successful.
7 Advantages of a Virtual Learning Environment
When virtual learning is done correctly, it holds many benefits for students. With the right tools and support from both their parents and educators, students of all ages can be successful in virtual classrooms
1. Greater Accessibility
Compared to a traditional classroom, a virtual learning environment offers a lot more flexibility when it comes to class schedules and accessibility. Students can access online lessons from anywhere, provided that they have a compatible device, like a tablet or laptop, and an internet connection.
This can be especially useful for older students who sign up for online courses. While students need to attend some classes in real time, there is more flexibility to complete coursework and assignments on your own schedule. This allows students to work and learn during the hours when they’re most productive and focused.
2. Cost-Effectiveness
One of the benefits of a virtual learning environment that might not immediately come to mind is how cost-effective it is. Cutting out overhead expenses of building maintenance and transportation costs benefits the school; cutting down on the need for so many school supplies and books is a plus for learners.
The main investment that’s needed on both ends is technology. Both teachers and learners need to purchase a compatible device, as well as possible software and accessories. After that, the online classroom opens up a world of possibilities at a fraction of the price.
3. Improved Computer Skills
One of the secondary effects of the virtual classroom is that learners of all ages improve their computer literacy and become more comfortable using a variety of tech tools. There is a plethora of these resources available to students and teachers that make the online classroom an opportune experience to improve computer skills.
Students can find countless ways to create projects and presentations or collaborate with other students using the latest technology. Students soak up these new skills without even realizing it as they work on assignments in other content fields.
4. Personalized Instruction
Some parents worry that their children won’t get enough personal attention or time with their teacher in the virtual classroom. While this is a valid concern, it’s not necessarily true. Different collaboration tools, like Meet and Zoom, enable the teacher to break students into small groups to work together, or for the instructor to meet with students individually while others continue work.
Effective learning in a virtual setting includes continuous interaction and engagement between the instructor and the student. Since the rise of virtual learning, many teachers have gotten creative when it comes to thinking of new ways to make sure that each of their students receives one-on-one interaction and personalized instruction that meets their learning style. The array of tools available means that students can discover the best way of learning for them with the help and oversight of their teacher.
5. Instant Feedback
While being a teacher is a noble and rewarding profession, one of the downsides is the never-ending stacks of assignments and tests that need to be corrected. However, online learning helps to partially solve this problem. While some assignments, like essays and projects, will still take time to evaluate, other assignments can be graded automatically using different programs and tools.
New ways to engage students in the classroom, enable assessment and feedback as simple as commenting on a student’s post in a forum or commenting on a discussion or activity. Many online lessons and sessions are recorded so that both parents and students can go back and listen to the teacher’s feedback and comments.
6. Self-Paced Learning and Improved Time Management Skills
Students in higher-learning programs often opt for online courses so that they can fit in classes when it best fits their lifestyle. Older students may have jobs, families, or other obligations that make a traditional class schedule difficult to maintain. Some high school students with internships or work programs might also have the same issue.
Virtual classrooms and remote learning make it possible for students to balance both their personal and academic lives while learning or improving critical time management skills. This gives students more agency and responsibility over their own learning while still having the support and resources that their teacher can provide.
7. Decreased Social Pressures for Students With Social Anxiety
The virtual classroom is a welcoming environment for all students. The online setting takes away some of the social pressures with which introverted students might find it difficult to cope in a traditional classroom setting. On the screen, all students are equal and the teacher has a bit more control when it comes to social interactions. In in-person classrooms, differences in students’ abilities, personalities, and physical appearances are more noticeable. The online classroom helps to mask some of these things, encouraging positive relationships between students.
The teacher is able to mute students, which can help with distracting noises that some students with sensitivities may find difficult. The online classroom aims to make students feel comfortable and productive while finding positive ways for students and instructors to interact with each other.
Supporting Your Child With a Virtual Learning Experience
Alexander Tutoring offers online tutoring that’s fun, engaging, and tailored to each student’s individual needs and learning style. Our passionate teachers find interesting and engaging ways to assist your child in any subject related to math and physics. We do this by creating personalized one-on-one sessions that use both new and traditional education techniques.
Our tutoring sessions can fit into your busy schedule at any time, any place. Reach out to us and find out how we can help your student succeed in math and physics using our unique approach to online education.
