Why choose online learning?
What are the benefits of online learning?
Builds independence
Online learning encourages children to manage their own time and tasks. After a few lessons children are able to start up the Zoom session independently and manage controls alone.
Enhances digital literacy
Digital literacy is now an academic life skill required across schools, universities and workplaces. Through online learning children are not only learning core subjects such as English and Maths, in conjunction to this children are also learning how to use keyboard to type, using applications such as Zoom and Canva as well as developing ways to use technology safely.
Removing barriers
Online learning supports participation and inclusion. If you live in a remote area or your child spends time at mum’s/dad’s/grandparents house certain weeks, that is no problem… lessons can still carry on as usual. This also applies when you are travelling, no matter where you are in the world your child can still receive their regular lessons.
Technology can often present learning in a way that regular pencil and paper cannot. Children with dyslexia/dysgraphia often find it hard to put pencil to paper. Being able to type answers can remove that barrier for many children. Mathematical concepts can be presented in many different ways using technology which is particularly helpful for children with dyscalculia. For more information check out the link below:
What about “too much” screen time?
Excessive screen time is a legitimate concern for parents and many worry that online learning will add more screen exposure to children’s lives. Based on recent research, we know that:
“If children are engaging in modest amounts of screen time, screen time is educational (Sanders et al., 2024), and protective factors such as sleep, physical activity, and social interactions are not displaced, then there may be few risks of increased socio-emotional problems”
You can read the full paper here https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/bul-bul0000468.pdf
Below are some key factors to consider:
Setting boundaries: it is important to emphasise the effective use of technology by setting resonable time limits.
Home organisation: using laptops and iPads at a work table with a sturdy chair, helps children to associate using a screen to learn and work. This gives technology a clear and intentional purpose for use.
Being a good role model: parents also need to consider the messages they send to their children through their own use of technology. A high quality 30 minute interactive lesson is far more socially and academically stimulating than 30 minutes of scrolling or watching a cartoon on a TV screen.