Adapting To Remote Learning Is The Way To Go
It has been more than a year since the onset of the pandemic, and there is no light at the end of the tunnel, yet. Yes, different countries have come out of lockdowns and restrictions, but many of them have also been forced to retract relaxations and re-impose lockdowns or restrictions. With the virus continuing to mutate, nobody is sure when things are going to become normal. Consequently, the landscape of daily life has changed all over the world. All public places like cinema halls, swimming pools, gyms, schools, and colleges are shut. In fact, nobody knows when such facilities are likely to function normally. This uncertainty has given rise to a new trend away from the physical world. Like many corporate officers, learning too seems to have taken up its own virtual course.
From primary classes to higher learning, everything is going on in the virtual world. Teachers and students are meeting virtually through various virtual classroom apps like Google Meet, Google Classroom, Zoom, and classes are taken virtually. So, what is the future of learning? Is this trend here to stick around for some time? Let us discuss.
Virtual Learning Is Smooth
Virtual learning did start with glitches and hiccups. Teachers and students needed time to settle down to the norms of operating the virtual classrooms, answering questions, uploading answers, etc. However, it has been a year now and the dust seems to have settled. Both the pupil and the teachers have become acquainted with the features of virtual classrooms. In fact, they seem to have adapted to the new norms and molded their practices to the new requirements. So, virtual learning is no longer difficult; it is more like learning in the physical world.
Virtual Learning Is Not Inferior
Contrary to common perceptions during the start of virtual learning, it is now felt that virtual learning is not inferior to physical learning. Although there are limitations in terms of conducting practical classes, this mode is akin to physical classes as far as theoretical classes are considered. In fact, there are certain facilities that you get only with online classes. You can get unlimited videos and illustrative graphical representations as well as special lectures. These can help you get a good grasp of a particular subject or topic. So, virtual learning is in no way inferior to physical learning. In fact, it excels over physical learning in some niches like individual attention, explanation of topics, etc.
Virtual Learning Can Be Transformed Into Personalized Learning
One major and distinctive feature of virtual learning is that one can customize it as per the requirement of individual students. Explanatory videos in 3D can be designed on specific subjects or topics. Such videos are very helpful in learning difficult concepts in science subjects. This does lend credence to the idea that online learning can be modified as per individual requirements.
Virtual Learning Has Made Students Comfortable With Technology
All the trials and errors in implementing and using virtual classrooms have one common result: students have become comfortable using technology. It has underscored the importance of digitization and the ease of adoption of digitization by the pupil in general.
What’s Not To Like?
It is fair to say that virtual learning cannot replace physical learning. However, there are some aspects where virtual learning excels over physical learning. The ability to design explanatory videos and material for students found lacking in certain subjects and chapters is one of the most lucrative ones. So, a blend of physical and online learning may bring together the best of both worlds. One can get individual attention, customized learning material, and have face-to-face interactions with teachers.
The face of education is changing, and it is up to us to give it an attribute that brings in more growth for the learners, prioritizes holistic development, and crafts a career path that isn’t a singular road. We now have all the accessibility to learn and grow, whilst being in our comfort zone and bringing forth a change in the way education is imparted to our future generations.
The key to growth here is accepting remote learning as the normal way of learning and enjoy a learning setup that’s globally accessible.
