Because the world is facing a global pandemic, online classrooms are increasing day by day. Until there is a solution to this, the situation will be the same. But, some institutions are reopening, giving students a choice whether to come to school or stay home and attend online classes. So if you are confused about whether to go to school or continue studying from your home, this article will be helpful for you. If you are a parent confused about whether to let your child visit school or not, you will also find this helpful.
Effective Strategies for Online Learning
Despite the challenges that online classes may present, there are several effective strategies that students can employ to make the most out of this learning method. Here are some ways you can maximize your online class experience –
- Establish a Routine: Structuring your day like a regular school day can help maintain motivation and focus.
- Create a Dedicated Study Space: This space should be quiet, organized, and free from distractions.
- Participate Actively: Engage in discussions, ask questions, and communicate with teachers and classmates.
- Use Technological Tools: Utilize tools like note-taking apps and online calendars to manage your time and tasks.
- Take Regular Breaks: Give your eyes rest from screens and recharge your brain power.
Advantages of Online Class
Online classes provide a lot of benefits to educate students, even during a pandemic like we are going through right now. These are the advantages of online classes.
1. Safety
Especially in this period, the most important advantage of the online class system is the safety of the students. While governments and medical organizations encourage people to stay home and avoid physical contact, it is definitely a great thing to avoid going to school. So if you are a student and your school allows you to stay home, it is better to stay home.
2. Time to learn
If you are attending an online classroom, you can record it and watch it again whenever you feel like it, and the fact that many institutions offer online classes with flexible start dates makes them more flexible than offline classes. Even though many universities and schools provide materials for the students to go through the lectures again, most of them don’t. So if you are not feeling like concentrating in the class (which is not a good thing, of course), you can watch it again when you feel concentrated.
3. Less Cost
By providing lectures online, not having to accommodate the students in a classroom physically, can be a huge saving for educational institutions. For the students as well, except for the cost of the internet and the electricity, it can be a big saving. So in terms of the cost, online classrooms can be beneficial.
4. An advanced learning system
Students can develop an advanced learning system depending on the latest technologies to make their learning process easier. Even though they can incorporate online tools when attending offline classes, organizing everything in a single place will be much more efficient. Parents can also make sure that their children get the best out of these opportunities.
Tips for Parents Supporting Children in Online Classes
Parents play a vital role in managing their children’s online education. Here are some suggestions for parents:
- Setting a Learning Schedule: Help your child establish a daily routine for online classes.
- Supervision: Regularly check on your child’s progress and ask them about what they have learned.
- Encouraging Breaks: Ensure your child takes breaks to avoid screen fatigue and keep them energized.
- Providing Technical Support: Assist your child in dealing with technical issues that might arise during online sessions.
5. A wider network
Learning online can be a lot better and more effective when used correctly. Compared to a classroom and a certain number of teachers, the internet is a collection of a wide array of knowledge. You can connect with as many people as you want and gain as much knowledge as you would like. But, I repeat, when used correctly. The Internet, especially social media can distract you quite easily.
6. Flexibility
Online classes are more flexible compared to offline classes. We covered the advantages and disadvantages of offline classes in detail to let you know more about the differences between the two. Even if you have a busy schedule, you can easily fit in an online class with just a few clicks. This flexibility is really beneficial for students who live far away from their school or need more time to attend class.
Disadvantages of Online Class
Online classes also have a lot of demerits. While providing a great opportunity for the students to learn without having to go to school, they possess a lot of issues as well. These are the disadvantages of online classes.
1. An excuse
Even though there are a lot of advantages to online classrooms, one of the most significant problems is that the students are not in a physical location where the teachers can look after them. In the absence of teachers, it is quite easy for students to do whatever they want or to pay attention to other things. While many students do not find a difference between an offline class and an online lecture, most of them fail to keep it like that.
2. Eye strain
Staring at a computer screen for several hours continuously every day is not a good thing. You may develop conditions like computer vision syndrome. For the students with issues in their eyes, this can be worse. It is not like watching your teacher in a live classroom. There can be serious issues if you are not paying attention to the eye strain and related problems that may arise due to several hours of continuous online lectures.
Here are some tips to reduce eye strain during online classes –
Health Considerations for Online Learning
Apart from the obvious risks of extensive screen time, there are other health considerations to keep in mind when participating in online classes.
Health considerations include:
- Maintaining good posture during classes
- Ensuring proper lighting to avoid straining eyes
- Incorporating physical activity breaks
- Fostering positive mental health habits
3. Technical problems
A bad internet connection or an electricity outage can disconnect you from an online session. Malfunction in the live stream software can also impact your learning experience. These things do not exist in a regular classroom. So technical difficulties are a huge issue, especially if you have an unstable internet connection or electricity supply.
4. Lack of facilities
While attending an online classroom, there is a problem that the students won’t be able to use the facilities such as the laboratories or library. They will have to depend on the online resources available unless the institution specifically sends them the resources they need. This will impact the experience of the students in several areas. Having a look at the adaptation of technology in classrooms will give you a better idea.
5. Lack of motivation
Being alone in a closed environment without any visible competition from their classmates and the motivation from the teachers may lead to a lack of competence in the students. This is not the case with every single student out there, but can affect at least a few of them.
6. Distractions
While learning online, you are not only exposed to the information on your screen. You can be easily distracted while surfing the internet or talking to your friends, and it is very easy to get caught up in these distractions without even realizing it. This ruins the focus that an online lecture needs for effective learning.
Comparison Table: Online vs. Offline Classes
Now that you understand the advantages and disadvantages of online classes, you can check some of the differences it has from traditional offline classes.
| Online Classes | Offline Classes | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Generally cheaper | Can be more expensive |
| Flexibility | High | Low |
| Interaction | Virtual | In-person |
| Resources Needed | Reliable internet, digital device | Physical textbooks, stationary |