What Is Distance Learning And Why Are More And More Parents Choosing It?

Many new phrases have entered our everyday vocabulary of late – phrases we weren’t so familiar with before 2020. One of those phrases? Distance learning. 

Distance learning is something millions of children and their families have become a part of in the last year. While this type of learning can feel overwhelming at first, it’s less so when you understand what exactly it involves, and the many benefits it can provide to you and your child. Here’s what you need to know about distance learning – the different types, the benefits, and tips to help make it work for your family.

What Is Distance Learning?
Distance learning is really fairly simple. It involves learning through a computer online with a teacher, and often other students, from the comfort of your home. The teacher assigns work that is completed and submitted through an online platform.

What Are The Types Of Distance Learning?
Of course, there isn’t just one type of distance learning. The different types include:

Synchronous
During synchronous distance learning, lessons are taught in real time, utilizing live communication and technology such as teleconferencing to make it happen. It’s not as flexible as some other types of distance learning, since students are required to meet with an instructor and their classes at scheduled times. 

Asynchronous
Asynchronous distance learning is a bit more flexible. Quite often, this type of learning involves students working on weekly deadlines, but allows them to complete the assignment in their own time. Students also tend to interact online more with this type of learning, since they can have online conversations with teachers and classmates while working on content at their own pace. 

Some students excel with synchronous distance learning, while others do better with asynchronous. However, there are benefits to both types of distance learning that parents should be aware of.

How does distance learning work? All you need is a computer or tablet!

What Are The Benefits Of Distance Learning?
There are several benefits that distance learning can offer to your student. They include:

No Interruptions
With distance learning, interruptions to your school day are not as much of a problem. Much to your child’s chagrin, there are no snow days in distance learning! Perhaps most important, COVID-19 won’t disrupt this type of learning either. 

Flexibility 
Even with synchronous distance learning, there is more flexibility in your child’s schedule with distance learning than in a traditional school setting. This may work better for your family if you have different work schedules from traditional school hours.

No Commute 
No one likes to get up in the morning while it’s still dark to wait for the bus or warm up the car in subzero temperatures, yet it’s something nearly every parent and schoolkid has had to deal with. With distance learning, there is no commute and no bus, which is a boon to time management and sleep!

Less Stressful Environment
Some children have difficulty learning at school because it’s a stressful environment. With distance learning, they are in the comfort of their own home. All they need to do is log on to their lessons with their computer or tablet, giving them plenty of time for other pursuits, hobbies, and relaxation.

Teaching Important Skills
For many children, in-person learning is very regimented and students follow a tight schedule. With distance learning, children are forced to learn and utilize better time management skills to help them succeed independently. These skills, once improved and mastered, can have a positive impact on a variety of situations throughout students’ lives. With distance learning, children must understand the best way they learn and then make time to do it.

Individualized Learning 
Traditional schooling is designed for the masses, but with distance learning, a child can choose their schedule and learn at their own pace. If you have a child who works better in the morning, they can focus on accomplishing their work first thing each day. If a child does better later in the day, they can use the afternoon or evening to finish their assignments. In most distance learning situations, they have the freedom to do what works best for them.

Is distance learning as good as in-person learning? While every student is different, many excel with distance learning!

Tips For Successful Distance Learning
If you are exploring distance learning for your child, or you’re already doing it, there are a few things you can do to set your child up for success. 

Create a learning space
Make sure your child has a space that is dedicated to learning and provides some privacy. If you live in a small space, even doing something as simple as setting up a comfortable desk or corner of a room can create a conducive place for the learning to begin.

Create a routine
Just because distance learning is flexible doesn’t mean it’s a free-for-all. Make sure your child still has a routine: waking up around the same time each day, eating breakfast, brushing their teeth, and getting dressed before their distance learning begins. 

Talk about expectations
As with any other form of learning, distance learning should have goals. Your teacher can help with this, but it may be a good idea to create an agreement with your learner about the expectations you have for them doing distance learning from home.

Praise your child
Acknowledge what your child is doing right and excelling at when it comes to online learning in your home. They need positive reinforcement!

Distance learning can and does work for many students. If you think your child would thrive as a distance learner, it’s well worth exploring the options available to you.