In the classroom, children get the real benefit of interacting with their teacher and other students. Online learning has distinct advantages too. That’s because online teaching can be tailored to individual students in several important ways. Keep reading to learn about six benefits of online learning:
1. Online learning is self-paced.
Students can slow down when they’re learning a new concept or they want extra practice time, and they can speed up when they’re comfortable with a topic or have mastered it. Online learning also enhances computer and Internet proficiency. Online skills like accessing information, communication, and collaboration are necessary for learning and succeeding, not just in school but in life. Students all have their own levels of academic and technological proficiency, and the self-paced, flexible nature of online learning can help support students of all levels.
2. Sophisticated online education products can offer self-selected learning.
The curricula in traditional or older web-based products are designed in a linear fashion and don’t allow students to make choices within the curriculum. A new generation of sophisticated online education games can enable children to skip topics they already know and focus on material they’re ready to learn. They deliver the right level of education for the user.
3. Self-directed learning games encourage engagement.
When students can choose the content they’re interested in, they gain ownership of their experience. They can take their time and explore as much as they want. In a well-designed experience, they can choose which tools they’re most comfortable using, helping them learn and develop proficiency. Students are more actively engaged because they make their own choices.
4. Online education can support a range of learning styles.
Online learning can accommodate a wide range of learning styles and use a variety of methods geared to different learners. Whether they learn in a linear way, visually or verbally, or by doing, every student has a unique learning style. Online education can help teachers present content through a variety of methods such as videos, interactives, reading passages, or self-paced modules to help students explore information in a way that best suits their needs
5. Advanced online tools can provide real-time assessment.
The most advanced online learning tools provide ongoing, real-time assessment of students’ progress. They can tailor the learning experience (e.g. vary the number or nature of lessons based on the user’s accuracy) and provide progress feedback. Regular assessment is critical to keeping a student challenged at just the right level – not overwhelmed by material that’s too advanced or bored by topics that the child already knows. Creating unique learning journeys for every student in a classroom is a huge undertaking for teachers, but online tools can help alleviate a great amount of preparation needed for assessing student learning.
6. Online learning happens when and where it’s most convenient.
With an internet connection, there are no geographical barriers. Digital resources can be available anywhere, so students can study at home or even while away from home. Some kids like to jump online for 15 minutes before school. For other families it makes sense for children to do online activities during dinner preparation. Children can learn at a time that best fits their own needs and their family’s schedule, any day of the week. This kind of flexibility sets online learning apart from classroom learning, which is why many educators are blending online and in-person learning components into students’ educational journeys.
Every day educators are faced with providing the right educational balance for young children. How do we make online math games for kids that are truly educational but also fun? How much choice should a child have within the learning framework? By digging deeper for the answers to questions like these we are revolutionizing online learning, creating a completely individualized, engaging, and effective learning experience.
