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As technology advances and user experience improves, so too does the popularity of online education. It’s been proven to be a successful method of learning and offers a number of different benefits when compared with traditional education. While it is beneficial, it also has certain challenges. Understanding the advantages of online learning is important because it could help you make big decisions regarding your or your child’s education. In this article, we will discuss the importance of online learning to students and teachers.
Just like Nord Anglia Education’s Global Campus, an advantage of online learning is it can connect students and teachers around the world. With traditional education, location dictates which classes you could sign up for. This isn’t the case with online learning. You can sign up for classes all over the world, providing a more in-depth understanding of the global industry and helping children build their network and develop an international mindset. Gaining different perspectives and learning about different cultures also aids children’s thinking skills. This highlights the importance of online learning for students because it can open the door to new opportunities and help them develop skills that will serve them well in their future careers.
When considering the importance of online learning to students and teachers, flexible learning hours are a big influence. Circumstances mean you can’t always follow the traditional classroom education timetable and being able to learn with more flexible hours can be an important benefit. Online learning offers students the opportunity to learn whenever best suits them. This helps them, and their parents, balance their education with their home life. Transport to school and their parents working hours are two examples of external influences that could impact a traditional education, however, with online learning these don’t have to be a problem. Whether it’s 6 AM or 6 PM, giving children the flexibility to learn when they feel motivated may also increase their ability to retain information.
Every student learns differently, and in traditional education, children must adapt to the pace of the class or be left behind. One advantage of online learning is that children have more freedom to work at their own pace, which improves their learning experience and helps them build a better understanding with their teacher. This is also important for the teacher because it helps them structure their classes to suit the individual learning requirements of each child. The outcome: improved grades and a more enjoyable experience for the student and the teacher.
Children learn better and feel more comfortable learning in an environment of their choosing. This isn’t always possible in a classroom but is one of the key advantages of online learning. As a student or a parent, you understand where you work best, whether it’s in the library, at home or anywhere else. Being able to take a laptop or tablet into your ideal working environment helps children maximise their potential and gain the most from their education. Everyone works differently and some students may prefer the classroom, but for those that don’t, this flexibility can have a positive impact on how they absorb information and help them improve their grades.
Traditional learning methods allow the teacher to decide how they will convey information to their students, but online learning provides more flexibility and gives children control over their education. We all learn differently – some of us prefer quiet study, others like interactive tasks and being challenged under pressure. While there are tasks online, one of the advantages is that it gives students time to teach themselves concepts differently. Some students prefer to learn slowly and explore different learning methods, helping them fully retain information. Once they feel prepared, they can then take online tests or ask their parents to challenge them on what they have learnt.
This article should help you understand the importance of online learning to students and teachers, and whether an online learning experience would be beneficial for your child. If you’re considering a virtual education, you can learn more about the experience we provide through Nord Anglia schools on our virtual schools page.
Want more of the latest insights into education? Read our INSIGHTS publication here!