Over a year and a half into the coronavirus pandemic, experts, parents, and students all know much more about online learning than they did before. Some believe it’s more convenient than traditional schooling and are looking into homeschool programmes for their children. Others believe it’s less effective than in-person schooling.
Cambridge Home School started operations as an online British international school in 2002 when there was no pandemic and no sign that online education was going to gain widespread popularity. Over the last 19 years, we’ve gained a wealth of experience and insight into what it takes to make online learning work.
Below, we take a closer look at some of its long-term effects:
1. Missing The In-Person Experience
Many students who switch to online schools or homeschooling after having spent a few years in a conventional school find it difficult to adjust. They often start missing the in-person schooling experience since they don’t get to spend as much time chatting or joking around with their classmates.
2. Better Time Management
Students who are enrolled in online schools tend to develop better time management skills than others their age. Since they must balance studies with other activities without the rigid structure of an in-person school, they become more proficient at properly utilising the time available to them.
3. Lack of Socialisation
Students in an online UK virtual school generally don’t get to socialise with their peers as much as the students who attend in-person classes. Since there are fewer spontaneous opportunities to interact, students must actively try to build relationships with their classmates. This can help create a more enjoyable learning environment for them.
4. Improved Concentration
Students typically take online classes from home, which can be convenient but can also result in a lot of distractions. With the passage of time, online students figure out how to create an environment that helps them concentrate on what is being taught. They also learn how to ignore distractions and maintain their focus.
Summing It Up
There’s no doubt that online studies can be difficult and come with unique challenges. But these challenges also provide a lot of room for growth and the opportunity to develop useful skills. Students who study online tend to become better at working independently without extensive instructions.
They also become more adept at using technology for working, researching, communicating with their instructors, and collaborating with their peers. These skills are a must-have for people joining the modern workforce.
Cambridge Home School is an online international school for students from the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia. Pupils aged eight years to 18 years can join one of our schools for Primary Prep, Lower School, Upper School, and Sixth Form classes consisting of 8 to 10 students each that follow a balanced British curriculum and are conducted by MA and PhD qualified teachers.
Find out how your children can thrive at our international school for British expats in the UK by contacting us today.
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FAQ
What is the background of Cambridge Home School in the realm of online learning?
Cambridge Home School has been in the field of online education since 2002, well before the pandemic made online learning mainstream. With 19 years of experience, the school has gained extensive knowledge about making online education effective and efficient.
Do students feel the absence of in-person interactions in online learning?
Yes, some students who transition from traditional schools to online learning platforms find it challenging to adjust to the lack of in-person interaction. They often miss the social aspects like chatting or joking with their classmates that they had in conventional schools.
Does online education improve time-management skills?
Online education seems to aid in the development of better time-management skills. Students in online settings often become proficient at utilising their time effectively because they have to balance their studies with other activities without the rigid structure found in traditional schools.
Are there socialisation challenges in online education?
Indeed, students in online education platforms generally face limited opportunities for social interaction compared to those in in-person schooling. This makes it necessary for them to actively seek ways to build relationships with their peers to enrich their learning environment.
What skills do online students tend to develop for future employment?
Students who engage in online learning often become proficient at working independently and are adept at utilising technology for work, research, and communication. These skills are increasingly important in today’s modern workforce.