Benefits of online learning programmes in 2021
With the start of the new academic year, many teachers, parents and learners were looking forward to a new, fresh start. The hope that 2021 would bring prosperity and some silver linings to the somber times of 2020 was shattered when Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa announced a return to alert level 3 on 28 December 2020. The dreaded second wave has hit, and we were all strapping in for the ride. Our festive season did not seem so festive anymore, and the question at the back of everyone’s mind: Would schools re-open on 27 January 2021?
Facebook and other social media platforms were bombarded with outraged parents and teachers exclaiming that schools should not re-open due to the high risk of infection. On the other side of the coin, many people are begging for schools to continue as planned, because we cannot start of another academic year playing catch up.
Now, let me ask you this: Are you considering an alternative to traditional schooling amidst the second wave of Covid-19? If you’ve already done some research on homeschooling and other educational channels like online schooling, you’ll know that there are a lot of information out there. And yet, you are left with more questions and no answers. Well, I’ve done the research and I’m happy to share my findings with you. Let’s start with the advantages of online learning programmes. Online learning programmes, such as Brainiacs ClassHub, is a great tool to enrich the learning experience. It does not replace the current curriculum your child is working with, but rather provides additional learning material in order to ensure that your child masters the concepts required by their school or homeschool provider. This is great for the following reasons:
It is easily accessible
These online learning platforms can be accessed on any smart device – laptop, computer, tablet or even your smartphone. It is secure, because you have a unique username and password. You only need wifi or data to get you started.
It is affordable
Once more, these programmes are generally very affordable, especially South African based companies – and we love supporting local! If your children are working with an international curriculum such as Cambridge or ACE, there are online learning platforms pertaining to these curriculums as well, however they can be expensive and not within your budget as you’ll be paying in a different currency.
It is convenient
Your learning content can be accessed in the comfort of your own home, at a time that suits your busy schedule. You can work these lessons into your child’s current study programme and have them engage with the platform for just a few minutes a day. The online content is always available and your child can easily access the videos over and over until they have mastered the concept.
It brings education right to your home
Everyone can get involved in the learning experience. Parents can look over the shoulder of the learner engaging with the material, and siblings can all get involved and take something away from the experience. Learners enjoy the advancements in technology and experience this first-hand.
It offers more individual attention
You have direct access to the instructor via e-mail or a live Q and A platform. You can get your questions answered immediately and directly. Many learners have a fear of asking questions in class and an online platform removes this fear. If you think of a question while studying, you can contact your instructor / tutor immediately and this enhances the opportunity to learn.
It teaches your children to be self-disciplined
Procrastination might be your child’s worst enemy. But when it comes to education, learning at the last moment is possibly the worst thing your child can do. Children need to learn this the hard way – by performing poorly on a test or assignment. When they’ve realised that they will benefit by engaging with the learning material on a regular basis, it will propel them to be more self-disciplined. They will be motivated to go online and engage, to ask questions and post responses.
I can go on and on… But I’m sure you’re excited to start experiencing all of these benefits for yourself. I’ll leave you with some helpful links:
For more information on various home school and online learning providers, visit https://thehomeschoolhub.co.za
For online video content pertaining to the CAPS curriculum, check out some of our courses.