"Young people can experience the convenience and flexibility of online education from the comfort and safety of their home with online learning as the new homeschooling solution."
The classroom environments we know today, students seated row by row, have not changed for at least a few hundred years. School environments, no matter how outstanding, do not suit every young person. However, there is an alternative...
Online synchronous learning, also known as virtual synchronous learning, is a viable alternative to 'mainstream' or 'bricks and mortar' learning. This form of elective home education allows students to participate in live, online classes with their teachers and peers in real time. This type of learning is similar to traditional in-person classes, but it takes place entirely online.
One of the main benefits of online synchronous learning is its flexibility. Students can participate in class from anywhere with a reliable device and internet connection. The various learning platforms available allow them to access live classes, course materials and assignments at any time. This makes it an ideal option for students who have busy schedules, or who live in areas where traditional in-person classes may not be available. Young people who are professional actors of stage and screen, professional sportspeople who compete around the world, or who are young entrepreneurs benefit from the flexibility of both live and recorded lessons.
Another advantage of online synchronous learning is its interactive nature. Students can engage with their teachers and classmates in real time through video conferencing, chat, and other collaborative tools. This allows for a more interactive and engaging learning experience, and helps to foster a sense of community among students. Parents need not worry about social interaction as many online providers go above and beyond to provide community-building activities. Many families testify to their children being more socially fulfilled with online learning than with a 'bricks and mortar' education.
There are technical considerations to keep in mind when choosing to school online. It's important to ensure that you have a reliable internet connection and the necessary hardware and software to participate in class. Many online synchronous learning programs also require students to have a webcam and microphone, as well as a quiet and distraction-free learning environment. While primary-aged children are mostly uninhibited in the use of their webcam, teenage learners are often more reluctant for a variety of reasons. The use of webcams and microphones in lessons helps to build community and aids the pace of learning.
Online synchronous learning can be an effective and engaging way to learn for many young people. Whether young people participate in online provisions full-time or as part of a hybrid model, it undoubtedly offers students the flexibility and convenience, while providing the interactive and collaborative benefits of traditional in-person classes.
If you're considering elective home education, online synchronous learning is definitely a strong contender worth considering.
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