Online Learning vs In -Classroom Learning

Online Schooling vs In - Classroom Learning

The year 2020 has been quite the doozy for everyone. No one ever expected to have their kids be at home learning, or even for that matter no one expected to have to virtually work from home. Online schooling sounds nice and easy when you think about it, but experience says otherwise. The ability to sleep in and complete schoolwork in your pajamas is quite fabulous. But, they do not tell you that kids do not get the same kind of experience as they would in the classroom. The teachers are having to split explaining in one meeting each day everything that they are teaching in the classroom, that is hard for both the teacher and the student. Students are struggling to understand what they are learning online because they are not able to be in a classroom where the teacher is right there to explain what is being taught. The classroom experience has been easier for many students because the teacher is able to explain everything in person versus emailing the student and parent. As a parent myself, my daughter has done better when she went back to in classroom learning than online learning. It also is something that depends on home life because some parents or guardians do not have the ability for the child to learn at home so they do have to send them to school. Even with COVID-19 I think all kids miss out on socializing with other kids when they have to be online learning. It is not fair to the kids but at the same time as a parent we will do what the school needs us to do whether it is online learning or in class learning.

Online learning is cheaper. There are more options and space for those who take online classes. There are no limits to how many kids in a class. The only negative is the quality of their learning is not as good as it would be in a classroom. While online learning teaches them to be more resourceful on their own without someone telling them how to complete something. Every child is different so their ability to learn is also different. Some thrive in virtual learning and some do not. Some thrive better in the actual classroom and some do not. We have to talk with our children before we commit to online or in classroom learning. They will be the ones attending everyday, so we should make sure that they feel comfortable with either environment. Online learning also does not require much in the way of school supplies. You may need just a couple of notebooks and some pencils or pens depending on your preference. It does also require a the parent or the student to dedicate a place in the home or an office to a space for learning.

Kids have a hard time focusing on school work if they have several other things going on in the background. They already have a short attention span when they are in grades K-5th grade. Dedicating a space and area that has no other electronics or distractions for them will improve their ability to focus on the school work .The teachers expect more out of the student when they do online learning. They have higher expectations for the assignment completion and being able to complete them in a timely manner. Online learning is sometimes harder than what you would expect. You are left to kind of figure things on your own if you do not grasp them completely by reading the teacher's assignment instructions. Online learning does have resources for a student to be able to practice each subject in between their daily assignments. As a parent point of view, I found this helpful especially when it gives the child practice in something they may be struggling in.

In-class learning can also be helpful when they are struggling in a certain subject and you as a parent have a hard time helping them understand or comprehend the subject. The availability of the teacher is limited when you are learning online, but if you are in the classroom you have better access to ask questions. It also helps the student when the teacher can go over something an extra time or write one more example on the board for a better understanding of what is being taught. COVID-19 has changed the in-class learning option. They are required to social distance and where masks in crowded areas. For kids in 5th grade and younger that is hard for them to remember to do. Most of the schools provide masks if one is forgotten and they also have areas designated for hand sanitizing. It is affective for the older kids but the younger kids do have a hard time understanding exactly why they have to sanitize and wear a mask. Some classes have less than the amount that they are allowed to have, because some parents did not want to send their kids to school. I believe that it comes down to what is best for you and your family. What is safe for your child but will also fit in your family's routine.