Online or E-learning is now a part of many schools and universities courses offering all around the world. Thanks to rapid technological advancements, studying online has never been easier. From Preschool/Gradeschooler to adults, online learning has made everyone achieve their goals even during the pandemic that shook the world in 2020.
After the pandemic, people have accepted the “new normal”. It has been seen that there is increased usage of online learning platforms as they have become the new educational standard. There is no denying the fact that the pandemic has introduced us to new educational approaches. Whether it is teaching Preschool/Gradeschooler or adults aiming for their Ph.D. degrees, everyone has accepted this approach wholeheartedly. This “new normal” is now a modified educational internet learning system that is being adopted by educational institutions all around the world to help students achieve their educational goals.
So what is online/E-learning and how can the Preschool/Gradeschooler be taught through it? Let’s find out!
E-Learning: What Is It And How Does It Work?
E-learning or online learning is a learning approach that is based on formalized teaching but through the use of electronic resources. While education can take place in or out of the classroom, E-learning is primarily dependent on the use of computers and the Internet. E-learning is a network-enabled transfer of skills and knowledge in which education is delivered to a large number of people at the same time or different periods.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Online Learning
As with most teaching methods, online learning comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Thus, it is teachers and parents who learn both negatives and positives in creating strategies that will help their kids to learn better.
Advantages
- Effectiveness
Online learning allows teachers to give more effective classes to the students. Now, teachers use various interesting learning tools like videos, PDF’s and podcasts as a part of their lesson planning. Teachers can become effective educators by using online resources in their lesson preparations in addition to traditional textbooks.
- Accessibility of time and place
One of the most significant advantages of online learning is that students can attend classes whenever and wherever they desire. Besides that, it also helps schools and institutes to provide education to a larger group of students. With recorded videos and lessons, students are able to seek education from anywhere around the globe. As a result, online learning gives students the freedom to learn at their own pace and time.
- Affordability
In traditional schooling methods, there is a significant amount of money that has to be spent on transportation and meals. However, for online learning platforms, you do not need to spend money on this which eventually saves a lot of money.
- Increase in student attendance
Since online classes can be attended from home or any other location, there are lower risks of Preschool/Gradeschooler and teenagers missing lectures.
Disadvantages
- Inability to concentrate
For most students, one of the most challenging parts of online learning is their inability to focus on a screen for a longer period of time. While learning online, students find it difficult to stay on one track without being disturbed by social media or any other websites which result in poor scores.
- Technological needs
The lack of internet access or division is one of the big concerns of online learning. While internet coverage has risen by leaps and bounds in these recent years, people still find it difficult to maintain a steady connection. Students living in remote areas or villages suffer from this problem a lot more than people living in big cities.
- Sense of isolation
The traditional schooling and teaching methods allow students and Preschool/Gradeschooler to interact with teachers and make friends. However, online platforms constrain them to one single place restricting them to make new friends or do interacting. This often gives them a sense of isolation and loneliness.
- Education of teachers
Teachers need to have a basic understanding of digital modes and their use. If they do not have knowledge about their basics, then students find it difficult to understand disturbing their focus and result.
Tips For Online Learning Of Preschool/Gradeschooler
Even if pre-schools are closed during the pandemic, it is very important to maintain a healthy online class atmosphere to encourage Preschool/Gradeschooler for their early education to set their core principles and basic values that push students beyond their engagement.
Tips For Families
- Create a learning space for your child
If your child is learning full-time from home, then you need to declutter your space. According to researchers, decluttered spaces help to increase the focus and concentration of your Preschool/Gradeschooler. Often, Preschool/Gradeschooler seem to be distracted through various things around the house, thus make sure you create a separate space or room solely dedicated to his/her learning and other activities.
- Create a schedule
Having a schedule is very important since the beginning of education. Creating a schedule for your Preschool/Gradeschooler will inculcate habits of self-control and discipline in them. It will also prevent them from being distracted or restless. By creating a schedule, you can help your Preschool/Gradeschooler to balance well between feelings and behavior.
- Reduce distractions
TV, video games, pets, social media, etc can be distracting for your kids. Thus, it is important to block these distractions or reduce them to a certain time to help your child focus more while not being distracted.
- Physical activity and movement
Exercises help improve the capability of work. During online classes, students become lethargic and often stick to their laptops and screens. Thus, your child needs to exercise and do physical movement to improve problem solving, memory, and attention. Physical activities are a natural stress reliever and anxiety preventer. According to experts, moving and exercising keep the kids happy and healthy.
- Reach out to your child’s teacher
Family support is required for online education and distance learning. Some online schools refer to parents as “learning coaches”. Set up direct contact or communication with your child’s teachers to assist your child. Connect via email, text, phone conversations, or even video calls to know about your child’s progress and improvement sectors.
- Be easy on your child
Parents need to understand that online learning is as new to their children as to them. Therefore, they should go easy on their child, be friendly and constantly support them in overcoming challenges and difficulties.
Teaching Tips For Teachers
- Created integrated learning process
As a teacher, you should focus on creating an environment that supports a Preschool/Gradeschooler visual, auditory, and emotional growth. Children require assistance in all these areas as they mature and grow old. Therefore, it is a good idea to appeal to the Preschool/Gradeschooler natural curiosity.
- Balance ‘active’ and ‘passive’ activities
Certain activities will get Preschool/Gradeschooler revved up and excited, while others will help them relax and unwind. For teachers, it is recommended to find a balance between switching between the two. Try to keep Preschool/Gradeschooler quiet while they are restless in online sessions by engaging them in different activities, both online and offline with the help of parents.
- Be in touch
Teachers and faculty need to stay in touch with the parents to know about the family environment, student’s behavior and discover new things and learning methods that can work for the kids.
- Stay involved from start to finish
Teaching online gives the chance to learn with the child. Teachers must stay connected and involved since the start of class so that the child is attentive and interested.
- Experiment with games
Use PowerPoint or Google slides or video maker for instance to turn lectures into fun games. In this way, the Preschool/Gradeschooler motor skills will be developed and the class will be interesting.
- Try a different mindset
Experiment with different teaching methods and don’t be afraid to have a lesson fail; remember that every experiment yields more data that can be used to improve the design and outcome of your next session/class.
Conclusion
Online learning is an excellent way to engage your Preschool/Gradeschooler in studies and other curriculum. According to studies, online learning helps parents to take the role of teachers whereas it helps teachers to create different and unique learning platforms for kids which attract their minds and nurture their values. Every kid is unique and has their strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, it is important to understand how online learning can help your Preschool/Gradeschooler and raise their education standard.