The COVID-19 pandemic undeniably transformed the educational landscape, leading to a surge in online schools offering various teaching methodologies including live and flipped models. Among these, the debate between live, interactive lessons and pre-recorded video content has been prominent. While asynchronous learning models, such as flipped classrooms and video lessons, offer flexibility, they often fall short in replicating the dynamic and engaging environment that live, face-to-face teaching provides. At Cambridge Home School Online, we are proud to offer a fully live timetable of teaching, providing a smooth transition from any bricks and mortar school, and a nourishing, stimulating environment for our students.
The Limitations of Pre-Recorded Lessons
Pre-recorded lessons offer students the convenience to learn at their own pace, which can be beneficial for revisiting complex topics. However, this mode of learning heavily relies on the student’s self-discipline and motivation. A study of older students, published in Sustainability highlighted that while students appreciated the flexibility of pre-recorded lectures, this approach could lead to an accumulation of workload, especially if students procrastinate, making it challenging to manage before examinations.
Moreover, the lack of real-time interaction in pre-recorded lessons can impede immediate clarification of doubts, leading to potential misunderstandings of the subject matter. The absence of spontaneous discussions and the inability to ask questions in the moment can make learning a passive experience, which may not cater to all learning styles. For students at CHS, the live interaction with their teachers and peers is a huge part of the learning experience, and one we would not want them to miss out on.
The Advantages of Live, Interactive Lessons
Live lessons emulate the traditional classroom environment, fostering immediate interaction between teachers and students. This real-time engagement allows for instant feedback, dynamic discussions, and a more personalised learning experience. Research indicates that students attending live online lessons are more likely to perform better academically compared to those relying solely on pre-recorded content. Specifically, being taught via pre-recorded lessons, as opposed to live online lessons, decreased the likelihood of answering exam questions correctly by 1.6 percentage points for students in the bottom 50th percentile of the ability distribution.
Furthermore, live lessons help in building a sense of community among students, reducing feelings of isolation that can accompany online learning. The opportunity to participate in discussions, collaborate on projects, and engage in real-time problem-solving enhances the overall learning experience and promotes better retention of information.
Cambridge Home School Online: Embracing Live Education
At Cambridge Home School Online, we recognise the paramount importance of live, interactive teaching. Our school offers a comprehensive timetable of live lessons from Monday to Friday, mirroring the structure of traditional brick-and-mortar schools. This approach ensures that students receive consistent, high-quality education, fostering both academic excellence and personal growth.
In addition to our rigorous academic schedule, we provide a diverse range of optional extracurricular activities. These activities are designed to enhance the learning experience, allowing students to explore new interests, develop essential life skills, and cultivate a well-rounded personality. Engagement in extracurricular pursuits has been linked to improved student well-being and academic performance, as happier students tend to learn better.
Positive Feedback from Our Community
Our commitment to live teaching and holistic education has garnered positive feedback from both parents and students. Reviews highlight the excellence of our teaching staff and the engaging curriculum. One parent noted, “Excellent, helpful and friendly staff and teachers. Also, very impressed with the Art & Design content. I will definitely recommend it. 5 stars from us!”
Such testimonials underscore the satisfaction and confidence that families place in our educational model, reflecting the effectiveness of live, interactive learning environments.
Who Benefits from Online Learning?
Online learning, particularly when it includes live lessons, can be advantageous for various groups of students:
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Students with Special Educational Needs: Personalised pacing and tailored teaching methods can cater to individual learning requirements.
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Gifted and Talented Students: Access to advanced materials and the ability to progress at an accelerated pace can keep these students engaged and challenged.
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Students Facing Bullying or Social Anxiety: A controlled and supportive online environment can provide a safe space for learning.
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Young Athletes and Performers: Flexible scheduling allows them to balance academics with training and performances.
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Families Who Travel Frequently: The portability of online education ensures continuity in learning despite geographical changes.
Notable Success Stories
The efficacy of online schooling is evident in various success stories. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many students with special educational needs thrived in online settings where traditional schools had failed them. Private online schools have emerged in response to this demand, offering personalised education that caters to individual student needs.
Join Us for a Taster Day
Experience firsthand the benefits of live, interactive online education by joining our upcoming taster day. This event offers prospective students and parents an opportunity to engage with our teachers, participate in live lessons, and explore the vibrant community at Cambridge Home School Online. Discover how our approach can make a significant difference in your child’s educational journey.
Rounding up, while pre-recorded lessons offer certain conveniences, they cannot fully replicate the dynamic and interactive nature of live teaching. At Cambridge Home School Online, we are dedicated to providing a robust educational experience through live lessons and a rich array of extracurricular activities, ensuring our students not only learn but thrive.