Is Remote Learning Better?
Since the coronavirus pandemic hit us, our lifestyle has changed drastically. We had to adopt a new way of living concerning most of our old habits and had to bode well with the change as well for we did not know how long is it going to be the same way. We still have no idea, however, one thing is clear that the new lifestyle isn’t all that bad. We have gotten acquainted with a lot of innovative ideas and a lot more modern solutions to things we had never even considered problems, yet all of it feels real and much needed. I remember my routine dental session conducted in November 2020 through a webcam or the moment my little sister had her high-school graduation online. It was rather new watching famous news analysts providing their insight from their living rooms or me having virtual parties with my colleagues to blow off some steam. All of it felt new yet liberating because we went out of the social construct of literally everything and now that we have seen the other side, it depends on us to take whatever approach suits us.
One key factor that held all of us together even during the times we were so much apart is the availability of speedy and reliable internet. I feel glad to have been connected with Spectrum plans at the start of 2020 and it had helped me during the toughest of times in the best manner with its affordable prices, no contracts policy, and lightning-fast internet speeds.
Now that we have discussed how greatly have our lives changed in the past year, it is time to focus microscopically on remote learning and if it is a better way of consuming knowledge. The following sections of this article largely discuss what remote learning is, its benefits, and tips to improve the learning experience.
Table of Contents
What Is Remote Learning?
Remote learning is the type of education in which the acts of teaching and learning are performed from a distance. Rather than having in-person teacher-student sessions, remote learning allows students and teachers to be at a distance without having any impact on the levels of education.
By this simple definition, it is clear that there is no requirement for technology when it comes to remote learning. However, due to the time and era we live in, the idea of remote learning mostly overlaps with virtual learning.
Many institutes like the University of Illinois and Harvard Business School have adopted new ways of learning and have introduced virtual classrooms for modernized learning levels.
Following are the two basic types of remote learning:
Synchronous Learning – students ought to learn at the same time for which technology like computers and the internet is required. Virtual meeting services Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet are included in the whole process.
Asynchronous Learning – students have the liberty to learn on their schedule. This allows communication between teacher and students without the whole class being present. Learning management tools like Google Classroom or Canvas are used for this method.
Benefits of Remote Learning
Better Control Over Learning
Remote learning brings a sense of control and flexibility to the table. On account of the fact that most of the resources can be found online, remote learners have the ability to choose their schedule and can position themselves wherever they want. Furthermore, remote learning allows students to engage, absorb, and analyze content in a way that works best for them.
Self-Disciplined Lifestyle
It is a learned fact that with freedom comes a sense of discipline and self-drive as well. we know that most people feel differently and that if students are given the liberty to learn on their own schedule, they might procrastinate all the way to the end of the semester. However, studies have shown that during the course of online learning, retention rates have increased by 25 to 60 percent. The fact that remote learning puts the burden of education mostly on the students gives them a push to study hard.
Saves Money and Time
One of the best benefits of remote learning is the saved time students spent commuting to and from the campus. This time can be utilized to engage in a lot of healthy activities. Another great benefit is the relatively lower fees due to zero usage of amenities etc. Educational institutes also save a lot of money that was previously being spent on on-campus activities and facilities and staff needs.
Higher Retention Rates
As discussed above, retention rates have increased by 25 to 60 percent since online learning has been in the discipline. Students better understand the need for learning and as they become accountable for their learning, they tend to be a bit more serious about it. the rise of student retention also depends on the control they have over their courses, engagement with multimedia content, and the fact that their classes are less likely to clash with their personal commitments.
Greener Choice
As much as it is coincidental, remote learning is considered to be a greener choice of learning. The Open University in Britain suggests that online learning means 85 percent lesser CO2 emission per student and 90 percent lesser energy consumption as compared to traditional on-campus learning. This makes remote learning a better choice for the environment as well.
Tips to Improve Remote Learning
Following are some of the tips to improve the overall experience of remote learning and to make it more effective:
- Motivate students to participate more often
- More emphasis on content rather than comprehension abilities
- Easy connection between new teaching ways and the older, more relatable ways for a better transition
- Keeping it as simple as possible
- Allowing students to think and analyze rather than just understand
- Balanced doses of synchronous and asynchronous learning