Navigating online learning: The new dawn

We have come to the realisation that technology has offered us an opportunity to connect globally through social media apps and also travel. However, we have come to realise that that connection has a threat that keeps us apart in our respective countries and draws the cultural, identity, and race lines. The connection is severed somewhat. Even so, we have found new comfort in a form of online meetings and learning — we can still meet each other — gone are the days when you need to wait for certain times to get in contact with family if you were living abroad. We can connect, learn and share ideas online all over the world. Though the setting is not comfortable, it is convenient under the current circumstances and the digital revolution.

For learners, it has come as frustration that they have to attend lessons online because they enjoyed the comfort of having physical access to their teachers. But WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord etc. can also be virtual access serving the same purpose. People who are anti-online may lack to see the correlation, but it exists and it is there.

Here are a few tips on conducting effective online lessons to the benefit of the students and learners:

• “acting things out” in front of the webcam is similar to in-person lessons. The use of gestures and facial expressions is imperative for a successful online lesson.

• Sharing their screens is the same as writing on a chalkboard or whiteboard or a class presentation

• Utilising the learning platform’s grouping system (often called breakout rooms), serves as same as physical activity of grouping or paring systems

• Online information specialists don’t have many physical cues to “read” their learners — the use of other apps or software-based channels, such as the chatbox, virtual whiteboard, short surveys, and student-generated “gestures” such as hand raising and thumbs up. This creates interaction and allows students to be engaged in the lessons

• It may be easier to manage a live classroom — it does require a different approach than traditional classroom management.

• It all depends on the teacher or tutor to create a learning environment

• It all starts with an acceptance that online learning is the new norm, being afraid of it will not only create problems but delay the progress of your child. Access to education is also increasingly virtual or online-based

• The benefit of excessing talent across the world has become a new norm. Gone are the days when you have to seek someone who is willing to tutor if they are in the same vicinity as yours— are you going to suffer or use online learning/tutors to solve your current dilemma?

See — it is not doom and gloom to receive learning content online. With a little adaptation, you can access educational talent and experts from the comfort of your home — plus you save money, petrol and reduce your carbon footprint.