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In the last two decades, the Internet has grown from being nearly non-existent into the largest, most accessible database of information ever created. It has changed the way people communicate, socialize, do business and think about knowledge and learning. Much more than just a new twist on distance learning, online learning is changing the face of traditional classrooms and making education more accessible than ever before. In this article, we will look into the benefits of online classes for kids.
Online learning is the newest and most popular form of distance education today. Within the past decade, it has had a major impact on education and the trend is only increasing. Online learning is education that takes place over the Internet. It is often referred to as “e-learning” among other terms. There are a lot of advantages of online classes for kids.
In today’s scenario of lockdown, where we are all facing a grave situation because
of COVID19, online classes have become a necessity for kids.
Benefits of Online Classes for Kids
While online, these distance learners join in virtual classes, chat with their peer learners, pose questions to teachers, take virtual tests, engage themselves in immersive activities, and much, much more. Here we bring you 12 key advantages of online learning for kids.
1. Learning With Comfort
Online learning is easy and convenient. Your child can go from lunch or playtime straight to online class. There’s no need to prepare for a class – change clothes, pack snacks, or drive to the learning centre. It saves a lot of time which can be utilized for some other productive activities. Nowadays it is safer to learn at home than to travel to an institute amidst the fear of a corona pandemic.
2. Online Learning is Self Paced
The conventional schooling/learning system forces the child to learn and complete homework at the same pace as other classmates. But with online classes, the kids can develop at their own pace. The online classes have a combination of self-paced work, scheduled lessons, and deadlines.
It helps the kids to enjoy a more individualized approach to learning, fitting in their requirements, and also complying with the standards required in completing the course.
3. Online Platforms Offer Self-Selected Learning
When kids can choose the content they’re interested in, they gain ownership of their learning experience. They can take their time and explore as much as they want. In a well-designed experience, they can choose which tools they’re most comfortable using, helping them learn and develop proficiency. Kids are more actively engaged because they make their own choices.
4. Online Education Supports Different Learning Styles
Online learning can accommodate a wide range of learning styles and use a variety of methods suited to different learners. They can learn by moving linearly, learn visually or verbally, or learn by doing, every student has a unique style of learning.
5. Online Tools Provide Real-Time Assessment
Regular assessment is critical in keeping a student challenged and maintaining a pace. The tools used by online learning systems provide real-time assessment of students’ progress. They provide on-time progress reports and feedback.
6. With Online Learning There are No Geographical Barriers
Online learning breaks the geographical barriers, it also gives a platform to learners for connecting with peers and tutors globally. Online teaching platforms provide forum boards, which can be used for mutual clarification of queries independently without a tutor as well.
7. Kids Learn Faster As It’s Convenient
As the kids are learning from the comfort of their homes and are not spending time traveling and other related activities, they can devote more time to actual learning. This makes them learn faster compared to conventional ways of learning.
8. Ideal for Introvert Kids
Introverted kids often try to avoid group discussions held in normal classrooms. But here with the online classes, things are different. The virtual classes, even such kids participate in such discussions as there is a greater degree of interaction between the teachers and students.
This system allows kids to clarify their doubts via email. This becomes an added advantage as the kids find this platform more comfortable in asking questions that otherwise go unanswered in conventional classrooms.
9. Online Platforms Offer Personalized Schedules
It helps the kids to pursue their passion. Many kids keep themselves engaged in other activities of their liking.
As virtual classes give opportunities for flexible schedules and learning at free hours it serves as an advantage. Online classes are also flexible with the submission of assignments and the daily schedules can be adjusted or tailor-made according to the kid’s needs.
It allows the kids to carry on with their other activities without sacrificing their education. One can play tennis and yet return back to attain an online class.
10. Kids are Less Prone to Distractions During Learning
In traditional classes, students focus less on learning and are more influenced by peer pressure. Due to this, less learning takes place as teachers take the time to address behavioural issues of students. Also, bullying can seriously impact a kid’s learning pace in a traditional classroom setup.
While one can avoid distractions and focus solely on learning by attending virtual classes.
11. Kids Learn New Technical Skills
In the era our kids are growing, technical or computer skills are mandatory to survive. The online class comes as a blessing as it makes your child tech-savvy at an early stage of life.
During the course of online classes, a kid has to navigate through the course lectures, download online materials, make online interactions, upload assignments, and communicate digitally. These all help a kid in learning new tech skills which will be quite useful in later stages of life. Learning to code help kids gain a lot of skills.
12. Get Guidance from Guardians
In online classes when the kids are accompanied by their parents or guardians, it fosters faster learning. The parents can know the strengths and weaknesses of their children at an early stage. And this helps shape their child’s career during the later stages. In online classes, the guardians or parents become the learning partners of their kids!
