2.7 million students are currently enrolled in fully online schools in the United States alone. This number is only expected to climb higher as more individuals discover the numerous benefits of online learning. With flexible schedules, personalized curriculum options, and the opportunity to work at their own pace, it’s no wonder that online education is gaining traction among students and parents alike.
During the pandemic and in the immediate periods of return to school, it became clear to educators that, for a number of students, online learning had benefits beyond the oft-cited prerequisites for successful 21st century learners. There are parallels that can be drawn with adult time management and increased levels of productivity at work. For example, the adult claims for increased professional efficiency when working remotely can be compared to percentages that demonstrate a smarter use of learners’ time in online lessons measured against traditional classroom experiences. The decrease in time taken by lesson transitions and behaviour management issues aside, studies suggest that effective online learning can take up to 60% less time.
But schools are about more than classroom learning objectives, the assimilation of content and acquisition of skill. What of online students’ emotional growth and wellbeing?
Increased Self-Confidence and Reduced Anxiety: Despite fears associated with remote learning experiences during the pandemic, many schools’ online provision allowed students to work at their own pace and in their own space, which helped boost their self-confidence as they saw their progress over time. In schools such as these, teachers reported on the increased participation of girls in classes that had previously been dominated by boys, both online and when returning to face-to-face learning. It could be theorised that it was the safe context that learning from home provided and the reduced competitive nature of the classroom that benefitted these students. For some students, traditional classroom settings can cause anxiety and stress. Online learning provides a more relaxed and comfortable environment, leading to reduced anxiety levels. Confidence in one’s online persona can enhance self-assuredness and self-belief. This can manifest in various ways, such as through the content they share, the tone of their communication, and the way they engage with others online. It can also improve one’s self-esteem and sense of self-worth, as they project a positive and assertive image to the world. It is, of course, important to strike a balance between confidence and authenticity in your online persona. This is the challenge for online schools; we must ensure that we are genuine and true to ourselves, while also exuding confidence in our abilities and beliefs. In a world that is continually shifting towards the digital context, humility and respect are key attributes for young people being nurtured online.
Emotional Intelligence and a Sense of Connection: In the realm of remote learning for young students, educators and parents share a common concern regarding the development of emotional intelligence and the establishment of meaningful connections. Interaction is absolutely vital. Therefore, it is good news that the landscape of online learning is evolving, with a greater emphasis placed on incorporating interactive elements to facilitate a more immersive educational experience. Through the use of tools like discussion boards, break-out rooms and virtual classrooms, educators are able to heighten student engagement levels and nurture a more profound emotional connection with the subject matter at hand.
Online learning platforms are revolutionising the way students engage and collaborate with their peers and instructors, providing innovative opportunities for interaction. By fostering a collaborative and active learning environment, these platforms encourage students to think critically and creatively, ultimately enhancing their academic success. It could be argued that successful online collaborative learning frees young people from the expected behavioural norms and peer pressure to opt out of proactive learning allowing them to be themselves as learners and enjoy the successes of positive connections. In such an environment, interdependent learning behaviour can thrive.
Motivation and Independence: Online learning can provide students with an incredibly adaptable and personalised learning environment, allowing them to take ownership of their academic journey. This level of customization empowers students to feel a heightened sense of motivation and determination to achieve their educational goals. By encouraging students to pursue their interests and excel in their studies, online learning fosters a strong sense of empowerment and self-confidence within each individual. Online learning can also present a unique opportunity for students to develop increased independence. By taking on more responsibility for their own education, individuals can cultivate a sense of self-reliance and autonomy that will serve them well in their academic and professional pursuits. This emphasis on independence is a valuable aspect of online learning that sets it apart from traditional classroom instruction, ultimately leading to a more successful and fulfilling educational experience.
Enhanced emotional well-being through flexibility and autonomy: The empowerment that comes with online learning can significantly enhance students’ emotional well-being by allowing them to take control of their education. With the permission to be a part of decisions related to when and how they learn, students can feel a sense of ownership over their academic path, promoting feelings of empowerment and satisfaction. Education becomes a truly collaborative process rather than ‘something that is being done to them’. This newfound control can ultimately lead to a greater sense of emotional well-being for students engaging in online learning. A high-quality online school will collaborate with students and their families allowing them to shape their lives accordingly. A utopian vision presents itself as a family that has far greater autonomy, more freedom and genuine, creative flexibility.
