Technology makes different facets of our life easier. Whether it is manufacturing products, communication, transportation, or research of new forms of technological innovations, much of our lives have been made easy with the growing number of innovations.
Programmers, engineers, and experts have aided the education sector to enjoy revolutionary tools in the past few years. This is especially true for the learning process, which has been streamlined through computers, online libraries, and academic networks that students can easily access wherever they are.
Since last year, the public health crisis caused by the COVID-19 virus has driven many organizations and sectors to adopt drastic measures to maximize the safety of their workers and customers. The same can be said about the education sector. The looming fear of the COVID-19 threat has caused many students to take up a more remote approach to learning.
Compared with the traditional means of learning, where most individuals need to go to classrooms with other individuals, many students now need to attend classes through virtual classrooms to mitigate the infection rates caused by COVID-19. However, online education has its own shortcomings, such as not having the same face-to-face experience that some classes are known for, such as physical education and music. Many of these classes will require students to use their senses and have a more active lifestyle.
Students also need to step out of their comfort zone if they want to learn new skills and adapt to the new changes. That does not necessarily mean that online learning cannot be used to teach students new skills that they can use in the coming years.
Here are the aspects you need to know about online education.
Are Online Classes Effective?
Before we discuss effective ways of learning online, we first need to discuss whether online classes are feasible. Based on certain studies, online learning is a more convenient way of teaching students, especially those who need to travel long distances to study.
Compared with traditional learning methods, the advantages of online learning vary depending on the class that is being taught. A recent study by IBM has shown that most students will learn five times more than the usual rate by doing online learning courses. Since online learning can give students better opportunities to study what they want, most students can start learning at their own speed and not have to stress themselves out with subjects they are not too keen on.
Another important advantage of online classes is that the retention rates in this setup are higher. Many traditional classes are struggling to retain students throughout much of their course, especially those who have to study for years. Most studies suggest that online courses have increased the retention rates of students from the usual 25% to around 60%.
Setting Up a Consistent Schedule and Face-to-Face Classes
Although many individuals are exploring the prospect of online learning and honing their skills without having to subject themselves to hazards, some individuals want to have face-to-face classes. These students believe that they learn more when they are in the actual classroom setting and the instructor is physically present. However, given the current circumstances, this setup is too risky.
With the recent rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations worldwide, many countries are already transitioning toward “pre-pandemic normals.” Since confidence has surged among the general public, the prospect of traditional face-to-face classes is not too far off. Still, many organizations and educational institutions do not want to take the risk. What is a good way of emulating traditional face-to-face classes without necessarily placing students at risk? Most people would suggest cultivating a consistent schedule that many individuals can follow. This is a great way of maximizing learning and turning it into a habit.
One branch of education that has benefited from this online setup is the music education sector. Music instructors are well aware of the needs of their students, even in tumultuous times. For instance, piano instructors equipped with the right tools can continue to teach music to students even in an online setup. New types of software allow the student and the teacher to have a more dynamic interaction as the student learns new pieces. These tools can also help track the student’s progress, making it easier to determine which points should be practiced further.
Maximize Your Online Experience
There are different ways to maximize your online learning experience. Although many individuals prefer traditional face-to-face classes for some subjects, online learning has a myriad of advantages while being convenient to most students. Based on the current situation, online education has shown potential in revolutionizing the education sector. Given its effectiveness, remote learning can supplement physical classroom setups and even become the norm for learning in the future.
