Though the coronavirus pandemic created unprecedented challenges for individuals, families, and communities worldwide, there are some silver linings in terms of your child’s education! With a rise in remote learning, virtual classrooms, and online lectures – educators and students alike have found new ways to make their educational experiences productive and rewarding.
If you’ve been wondering how to enhance your child’s academic journey, read on to discover 8 ways the pandemic revolutionized education.
More Inclusive Learning
One of the most positive effects of the pandemic is that it forced schools to rethink their educational models and adopt more inclusive practices. During the COVID-19 crisis, schools scrambled to offer virtual learning for all students to continue learning. Even though most students have returned to in-person school attendance, the online experience remains and is now helping other students and families. Distance learning programs have expanded access to education for students with disabilities, low-income families and some marginalized groups who may not have had access to quality education in a traditional classroom setting.
New technologies are also helping to bridge language barriers and remove physical obstacles that many students face when trying to attend school. The pandemic has opened up opportunities for all students, regardless of background or ability level, by making these changes.
More Flexible Schedules
With remote learning, students now have more flexibility in their schedules. They can work at their own pace without the pressure of attending classes in person, attend medical or other important appointments — even travel with family. All without interruption to their schooling. Additionally, many schools are offering asynchronous classes so that students can work on assignments when it fits into their schedule. Schools also provide support for virtual office hours where students can ask questions or get additional help from teachers. By being more flexible with their students’ schedules, schools can ensure that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed. Families also have more options on planning family schedules for things like work, vacations and family time.
Greater Use of Technology
The pandemic forced schools to incorporate more technology into their classrooms, making them better prepared for the future. New technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, teleconferencing tools, and artificial intelligence have brought new opportunities for teachers and students in the classroom environment. By leveraging these technologies, teachers can engage with their students in more creative ways while students can explore more interactive and immersive learning experiences.
Improved Home-School Connections
The pandemic also provided an opportunity for parents and teachers to connect in new ways. With remote learning, parents are able to get more involved in their children’s education by helping them with their assignments and providing support. This has helped build strong relationships between families and educators, which can only help improve student performance in the long run.
More Professional Development for Teachers
As the educational landscape continues to evolve post pandemic, teachers are looking for ways to stay up-to-date on best practices and obtain additional training to serve students effectively. This provides a great opportunity for professional development programs that can provide necessary resources for educators to advance their careers and become better equipped to meet the needs of their students.
Increased Social Awareness
The pandemic also highlighted the issues that marginalized communities face regarding access to education and resources. Now more than ever, schools are recognizing the importance of inclusion, equity, and diversity and taking steps to address any systemic inequalities within their models and practices. This helps to create a more inclusive environment for all students regardless of their background or ability level.
More Accessible Education
The push for remote learning has made education more accessible for students who may not be able to attend in-person classes due to financial, health, or other circumstances. With new technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and Al-based classrooms, students can now access materials and resources from anywhere with an internet connection. This makes it easier for them to stay up-to-date on their studies regardless of where they are located or what kind of restrictions they may face.
Greater Focus on Student Mental Health
The pandemic highlighted the importance of mental health in the educational setting, and schools are beginning to prioritize it more than ever before. From providing additional counseling services to implementing social-emotional learning programs, schools ensure
that their students’ mental health needs are addressed. This can help create a supportive learning environment where students feel safe and encouraged to express their problems, express themselves and reach their full potential.
Get the Best Out of the Positive Effects
The global pandemic forced us all to make difficult changes, but that doesn’t mean all the effects have been negative. For example, it sparked positive changes in schools. Virtual learning has created opportunities for students and teachers to expand their education, adapted curriculums have challenged students to think critically and call for new problem-solving approaches, and more welcoming classroom atmospheres have connected students with their peers. Though we navigated uncharted waters together, it’s important to remember that with hardship comes opportunity.
If you are looking for a place where children can take advantage of the positive effects of this post-pandemic world — while continuing their educational journey in a safe virtual space — contact us here at Friendship Online Academy. Together we can help create a future filled with consistent growth through unique experiences rooted in meaningful connections.