What is Online Learning?

Online learning reflects the reality of how students learn in the 21^st century. As an increasing number of parents are choosing online learning for their children, there is a need to respond to the following questions: (1) What is online learning? (2) What are the benefits of online learning? (3) What are the challenges of online learning? (4) How does my child apply his/her personal strengths to online learning? (5) What is the future of online learning?  

‍

What is online learning?

Online learning is an approach to education that enhances learning through the use of communication technology. Online learning can be instructor-led, computer-based, or a combination of the two. It provides greater convenience for parents who wish to (1) homeschool their elementary students; it is a safety net for (2) middle school students during adolescence that could alleviate insecurities and eliminate any chance of bullying in a brick-and-mortar school; and (3) for high school students, online learning provides flexibility and self-paced learning. In online learning, the teacher’s role is changed from traditional “a sage on the stage” to an online learning “guide on the side.”  Students are active participants in online learning and accountable for their own learning experiences, which helps prepare them for college. 

‍

What are the benefits of online learning?

Online learning is primarily designed around the learner that allows self-paced learning and provides students with opportunities to speed up or slow down as necessary. The flexibility offered by online technologies can help support the needs of diverse learners: High achieving students can work ahead and finish the school year earlier which provides time to travel or start the next school year ahead of the class. On the other hand, students that need more time for mastering skills may be able to extend their school year to include summer school. And for students with learning disabilities, the online curriculum can be modified. Importantly, online learners benefit from personalized learning, individualized instructions, group lessons via web-conferencing programs, and a safe home environment. 

‍

What are the challenges of online learning?

Since online learning is different from the traditional form of education where learners get to see others within the same physical space, parents need to be creative for their child’s social development and involve him/her into sports, fine arts, or other activities within their community or church settings. Next, teachers' availability can vary from responding within one hour, a few hours, or 24 hours. This is why it is important for parents to evaluate what option is best for their child with their guidance counselor. In online learning, teachers are providing various online sources that students can access and interact with; however, it is a student’s responsibility to log in, take the time to learn the tips, and then apply them to assignments. Online learning requires student motivation and parental support, especially for younger children. 

‍

How can my child apply personal strengths to online learning?

The authentic use of technology transforms teacher’s roles, learner’s roles, the conceptualization of knowledge, the process of teaching and learning, and assessments. As parents assist their children at home, it is important to observe the way that their children retain the information. Some children learn best by reading, some from visual presentation, some from summarizing learned information in a notebook, and some by a combination of reading, visuals, and note-taking. Also, for younger children, morning time is the best for working on assignments; for middle school students, their online school might start at nine or even 10 in the morning; and for high school students, late afternoon might work the best especially if they work part-time in the morning. In regards to their personalized time of school work, students need to spend from four to six hours daily on their assignments for mastery learning. 

‍

What is the future of online learning?  

Increased access to the Internet and greater bandwidth are expected to increase the number of students moving into online learning. By utilizing emerging technology to individualize experiences, students are provided an increasingly personalized instruction, making education less one-size-fits-all. 

‍

Since 2003, Enlightium faculty and staff have served partner schools, online, and homeschool K-12 students. With parental support, excellent instruction, and a personalized approach to learning, Enlightium equips students with the academic, spiritual, physical, social, and emotional skills they need to succeed in life. For any other questions about Enlightium, please call (509) 319-2288 or visit EnlightiumAcademy.com.

‍

References

Curtis, H. & Werth, L. (2015). Fostering student success and engagement in a K-12 

online school. Journal of Online Learning Research, 1(2), 163-190. 

Keengwe, G., Onchwari, G., & Agamba, J. (2014). Promoting effective e-learning 

practices through the constructivist pedagogy. Educ Inf Technol., 19:887-898.

Reil, M., & Becker, H. (2000). The beliefs, practices, and computer use of teacher 

leaders. New Orleans: AERA presentation. Retrieved from 

http://www.crito.uci.edu/tlc/findings/area/.