The Impact of Remote Learning on Student Productivity
There are pros to remote learning, but there are some setbacks that can greatly impact a student’s success.
Remote learning is now the new normal for millions, and while some students enjoy the comfort of studying from home, many more are starting to struggle to adapt to the virtual classroom. Distance education isn't a new concept—people have homeschooled their children for well over a century, and online high schools and colleges have been around for at least 20 years. Despite this, remote learning has remained a relatively small niche compared to the traditional model.
Now, with so many students dispersed, parents and educators are worried. What can you do to make learning online a bit easier for your child? As a teacher, how can you make your students feel supported and engaged from afar? As a student yourself, you might be considering whether online college is worth it or whether you should delay getting your degree until you can attend classes on campus.
Is Online College a Good Idea?
With so much economic instability looming over America, it's natural for prospective college students to worry whether they should get a degree right now. Higher education will lead to student debt for most, and this doesn’t guarantee they'll get hired after graduation. On top of loans, there are more practical concerns about earning a degree online. Are the professors still as helpful? Can you still feel a sense of community with others? Will you have access to additional resources that will help you build a future?
As long as you do the research and choose an accredited online university, college from home can be just as enjoyable. For learners who are employed or have families, the convenience of online education can't be beat. Paying for it, however, is still a valid concern, and prices may continue to rise as more people apply to online schools. Private student loans are one low-stress way to fund your degree. By choosing your own lender, you'll have greater control over how money is distributed and, ultimately, how much you have to pay later. Comparing loans with different online college tuition rates can help you strike a balance you're comfortable with.
The Learning Environment
The classroom is more than just a place for a teacher to provide lessons. It creates an environment conducive to learning. Students are able to shift gears and get into the right headspace for instruction when they step into the room. They know that this is the place to sit up, focus, and dedicate their attention solely to the lesson and exercises. The room is designed to provide support rather than distraction, however, the opposite is true for many learners at home.
When you're a distance education student, you're likely studying from the couch, your bed, or dining room table. The same laptop you use to stream Netflix, binge YouTube videos, and play video games is also the one you're using to attend virtual classes. Distraction is literally right at your fingertips, and it's easy to become far more engrossed in all the activities you'd rather be doing than listen to another lecture on Zoom. Parents have found it difficult keeping their children motivated when all they do is watch videos and write assignments. The social component is probably the most difficult because it can't be replicated no matter how many classmates are on video chat at once.
Physical Classrooms Create Structure
Students tend to focus more in school because of its design. They have become accustomed to the academic environment and, in turn, find it easier to focus. They also don't have to do as much work on their own because the teacher guides the day's schedule, sets objectives and keeps everyone on track. Benefits of in-person learning include:
Collaborative environment
Social growth and opportunity to connect
A designated space to learn that helps students focus
Immediate feedback from the teacher
Drew Allen is a financial enthusiast, seasoned blogger, music and sports fanatic. He enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and daughter fishing and boating. He is dedicated to his 15+ year career in the banking, mortgage, and personal finance industry.