What is the impact of online education on children? Explaining the pros and cons
In recent years, online education has spread rapidly and is becoming established as a place for children to learn. The ICT-ization of education has progressed, triggered by schools and cram schools introducing online classes due to the influence of COVID-19.
However, while online education has many benefits, there are also challenges and disadvantages. In this article, we will explain in detail the impact of online education on children, looking at both the pros and cons.
The basic mechanism of online education
Online education is a form of learning that conducts classes via the internet. There are mainly two types:
Live streaming classes: Classes conducted in real-time using tools like Zoom or Google Meet.
On-demand classes: A format where you watch recorded class videos at your own pace.
Unlike traditional face-to-face classes, these are characterized by the ability to learn without being tied to time or place. In particular, the ability to receive lessons from top-tier instructors even while living in rural areas, and the freedom to learn at one's own pace, are highly valued.
Benefits of online education
Online education has many advantages. Here are the main points:
A learning environment not bound by time or place
With online education, it is possible to take classes from home or any preferred location. Since commuting time is unnecessary, that time can be used for studying or resting. Also, a major appeal is that even if a child cannot attend school due to illness or school refusal, they do not lose the opportunity to learn.
Individually optimized learning
By utilizing digital teaching materials and AI technology, it becomes possible to provide instruction tailored to each student's level of understanding. Efficient learning is realized, such as repeatedly studying difficult units and getting ahead in areas of strength.
Cost performance
In many cases, costs can be kept lower compared to cram schools that require commuting. Also, since transportation and material costs can be reduced, the economic burden on the family is eased.
Opportunities to learn from top-tier instructors
It is also attracting attention as a means to resolve educational disparities based on region. Because one can receive instruction from famous urban instructors even while living in rural areas, it is useful for exam preparation and acquiring specialized skills.
Disadvantages of online education
On the other hand, there are also challenges with online education. Here are the main points:
Difficulty in maintaining concentration
When taking classes at home, there are many temptations such as books and games, which can make it difficult to maintain concentration. It is also pointed out that because there are no classmates around, it can be difficult to develop a sense of competition and cooperation.
Loneliness and decreased motivation
Because the interaction with friends and communication with teachers that naturally occur in face-to-face classes are reduced, students may feel lonely. As a result, it may become difficult to maintain motivation.
Dependence on communication environment
The quality of the class depends on the internet connection status and the device used. In particular, communication problems and equipment malfunctions are a burden not only for students but also for parents.
Lack of support for practical subjects
There are limits to the online format for experiential subjects such as science experiments, physical education, and art. For such subjects, a combination with face-to-face classes is required.
The impact of online education on child development
Online education also has various effects on a child's growth. We will look at the positive effects and the challenges.
Positive impacts
Independence and self-management skills: Autonomous behavioral skills such as schedule management and assignment submission are cultivated.
Digital literacy: Students can acquire necessary skills for modern society, such as internet searching and app operation.
Opportunities for review: In on-demand classes, students can repeatedly watch parts they do not understand, which leads to improved comprehension.
Challenging impacts
Lack of social skills: Opportunities for interaction with friends are reduced, and there are concerns about the impact on relationship-building skills.
Physical decline: Sitting for long periods while looking at a screen makes it easy to lack exercise.
Vision deterioration: The increased time spent looking at screens is also considered a problem due to the strain on the eyes.
Efforts to make online education successful
To maximize the benefits of online education while overcoming the disadvantages, ingenuity is also necessary.
Creating an environment where one can concentrate
Setting up an environment where parents can keep an eye on their children, such as taking classes in the living room instead of their study room, can lead to improved concentration. It is also effective to keep distractions like smartphones and game consoles out of sight.
Ensuring opportunities for communication
Loneliness can be reduced by incorporating activities that lead to building relationships, such as regular individual meetings with teachers and group discussions with classmates.
Preparation of communication environment and equipment
A stable internet connection and easy-to-use devices are the keys to successful online education. Also, if they are unfamiliar with the technology, it is a good idea to provide a simple operation manual.
Summary
Online education has great potential in that it is not bound by time or place and can provide learning optimized for each individual. On the other hand, there are challenges such as maintaining concentration and feelings of loneliness.
However, these challenges can be overcome depending on the home environment and teaching methods. With ingenuity and support tailored to a child's characteristics, online education will grow as a way of learning suitable for a new era.