As you sift through different online learning options for your child, you might have a question lurking in the back of your mind: “Will online school contribute to my child’s overall wellbeing?”
We’re here to offer good news! The right online school– a program that truly meets your child’s needs– can transform their education experience into something that is personalised, interactive, effective, engaging, and joyful. Yes, learning online can absolutely benefit your child’s overall wellbeing– academically, socially, and emotionally. Here’s how:
- Student-centred learning: If the online learning program offers small class sizes, students receive more focused attention from their teachers, which means that the overall experience is tailored to their needs, learning style, and interests. Students can learn at a pace that suits their needs.
- Engaging and dynamic lessons: Well-planned online lessons incorporate interactive activities such as music, art, games, yoga, scavenger hunts, and hands-on science experiments. Learning online also opens up a whole new world of possibilities for interactive education. Travel from a desert to a rainforest? Sure! Save the planet by practicing multiplication facts? Let’s do it! Online learning is enriched by ever-developing technology, making learning more interactive, compelling, and fun.
- Classroom community: Ask about the student-teacher ratio at the school you’re researching. Teachers with fewer students have the capacity to get to know their students beyond the surface level, becoming familiar with their strengths, needs, and interests. When students feel comfortable, known, and secure, they’re more likely to take learning risks, admit that they need help, and be more engaged in their learning overall.
- Relevant and timely feedback: With an endless array of digital tools at their fingertips, teachers online can provide helpful and actionable feedback to their students on a regular basis. This helps students take ownership of their learning and empowers them to reach their full potential.
- Opportunities for socialisation: In certain online learning programmes, students can interact with other kids from around the world– collaborating on projects, playing games, discussing topics, and practicing social-emotional skills. Students interact with the same peers each day, forming a familiar and comfortable classroom environment, while also learning about different cultures and ways of living. It’s important to choose a programme that offers small class sizes and a focus on social-emotional learning (SEL) in order to really get that positive socialisation aspect. (SEL supports students in their self-awareness, social awareness, self-management, and relationship skills. We highly recommend choosing an online school that incorporates SEL into its curriculum.)
When you find a high-quality online school for your child that really fits their needs and circumstances, it can make all the difference in the world. With online learning, your kiddo can get the attention they need and develop to their full academic, emotional, and social potential.