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Is online learning the new norm?


Countries around the world have adopted online learning for the K-12 classrooms. Schools in Florida, Texas, and California are partnering with online tutoring services like Varsity Tutors to help their learners get the best support possible with Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions. Schools in China are partnering up with online institutions to help provide Tier 1, core instruction. It not only provides equity for country dwellers but also a strong foundation for their futures. Where the traditional classroom has failed, online learning is left to pick up the pieces. Here are FIVE reasons why online learning should be adopted in your school and home today.


  1. Flexibility: Learners can learn at their own convenience. Imagine being able to create your weekly schedule to decide who and when you will study a particular subject. Having this flexibility enables learners time to process their learning and build on skills instead of having to follow an unrealistic pacing schedule. Learners are able to revisit previously taught classes to maximize their understanding of topics. According to a study researching student-content interactions, students who engaged with learned topics had elevated enjoyment and reduced boredom (Wang, 8).


  1. Access: Image being sick and missing an entire day of school. What happens the next day when you return to school? You’re lost, fighting to get caught up, and reviewing alone. Now, imagine living on the outskirts of Africa or India, where travel to schools is limited. This was the reason Koller, who founded Coursera, decided to provide a high-quality and free education for all. How can learners get access to a quality and consistent education? With online studies, learners are able to access taught classes, rewind, and fast forward whenever needed. Online platforms and teachers often provide additional links and resources to help students get caught up or challenge themselves. With access to the best curated materials, learners are able to excel.


  1. Immediate Feedback: Similar to face-to-face interactions, learners are able to get immediate feedback from their teachers and peers. Unlike the traditional classroom, online learners are able to have more one-on-one time with their teachers. They’re able to use the tools to ask questions directly or type their questions discreetly. Learners have a forum where ideas can be shared, and peer evaluation can happen to get the best answers available. Koller shared, “students receive immediate feedback and have options to see a sample response or examples when applicable” (9:00). Most importantly, they can come back to these questions at any time - all in one place.


  1. Become self-directed learners: We hear about putting the learning and growing on the students. That said, how often do you see the teachers or parents overly supporting their child? With online learning, students develop a sense of choice and responsibility. They are more organized and build awareness of their executive function. According to a study on college-ready students, “the students had become self-directed learners and they learnt asynchronously at any time in a day (Mukhtar, 4).


  1. Build self-efficacy: With choice and consistency, learners who spend more time with the content demonstrate higher levels of enjoyment and reduced boredom. A positive loop develops and may be conducive to self-efficacy (Wang, 7) or beliefs in one's own abilities. It only takes a spark to ignite a learner’s curiosity.


The benefits are clear and have shaken the education system. However, looming questions around costs, distractions, and homework need to be addressed. This is where you, the parents, must be involved. Here are THREE steps you take to support your family.


  1. Stay connected: Reach out to your school, community, or universities nearby and ask if they have tutors. Be proactive, communicate, and show you are involved in your learner’s growth can go a long way. As the old saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child. You will be surprised to find that some online tutoring programs are free. If none of these options are available, you can look online and search organizations like Varsity Tutors, Wukong Education, and more. Shop around and don’t be afraid to ask for a trial before joining. Many of these online platforms offer 1-2 lessons before having to commit.


  1. Create a routine: Distractions can form anywhere, but more so when learners are in a cluttered space. Clear out a space where your learner can consistently go to sit and work without distractions. Make this a regular part of their day and build a routine so that if they want to be distracted, they need to get up and move to another space. This takes time to build, but it can be a game-changer for many learners. Similar to my family's rules of no work or no food in the bedroom, or no phones at the dinner table. 


  1. Develop a Growth Mindset: Learning is an exhilarating and discouraging process, no matter the subject. It can be easy to get discouraged, so it’s important to persist and celebrate the little wins along the way. This will reinforce a growth mindset in your child and show them how consistent little effort can make a big difference in the end. As a parent, it’s important to be a part of their learning process and show that it can be okay to make mistakes, too. Demonstrate and share with your child the challenges or growing pains you’ve faced as a way to show growth opportunities.


Learning is a journey, and with your involvement, your child will not feel alone. By creating routines, showing vulnerability, celebrating wins, and staying connected, you can help your child develop a love for learning anywhere. Be flexible and adopt online learning as an option so your child can learn from anywhere, anytime, and at their own pace. So what are you waiting for? Help your child to become a self-directed learner while building self-efficacy and a growth mindset by joining the online learning community.


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