Aspects of distance learning

Distance learning is a process of interaction between a student and a teacher at a distance with the preservation of all methods, organizational forms, teaching aids, using Internet technologies or other interactive environments. Distance learning involves a more independent form of training involving information technology.

To take a distance learning course, it is not necessary to go to another city, to rent a house, it is enough to have remote technologies (a computer with Internet access, software). Today, mothers with young children, people with disabilities, serving sentences in places of deprivation of liberty, who are in remote places and many others are undergoing distance learning.

There are many advantages in distance learning: engaging with any number of people, improving the quality of training, calm comfortable environment, individual approach, access to educational materials, etc. But there are also disadvantages to this training: communication skills do not develop, there is no live communication, there are no practical skills, there is no way to check who is undergoing online testing, an online exam, performing work. You can talk a lot about the pros and cons of distance learning, but at this time there is no choice.

A sore subject of our time is distance learning. How to adapt to it? How to find the pros in this unusual teaching format? Are there any positive aspects to such an education?

I am a higher school teacher who had to deal with distance learning of students due to quarantine. I would like to share my experience and discussions on this topic.

I believe that distance learning is not suitable for basic education. But how additional education is wonderful. During the training period, all families acquired gadgets that help them access online conferences.

Some extracurricular activities are suitable for remote activities. For example, classes with computers or the development of cognitive abilities (online tests are more suitable than written work).

Students learned useful sites. For example, on-line simulators, on-line lessons to increase attention, memory, thinking and much more. To refine the material, we will contact them, and similar sites will diversify homework.

And the main plus that I see in distance learning is that all people have become much closer. Parents realized the important role school plays in the life of their children.

I can’t say that I am delighted with distance education. But you can find the pros. This is a new experience that I am glad about.

At any time, the schoolchild or student will be able to do his own education. The student is not bound by time frames, he can distribute time as required for himself. After all, the main thing in modern education is the result. Mastering the material can take place at different times: from several hours to several days.

Feedback from teachers, parents and students indicates that with this form of education, self-education plays a huge role. That is, no teachers behind, no pressure and mentor tone. This is a plus - you can learn to rationally use time, it is better to absorb material. There are people who are easier to learn when no one is following the process.

Learning in a comfortable environment is also important. Often, children just do not want to go to school. They are uncomfortable, unpleasant. It's no secret that children often do not find a common language with classmates. The emergence of conflict leads to disastrous results. In this case, there can be no talk of any learning outcomes.

Cons of distance learning:

• -    Lack of personal communication with the teacher, which excludes the possibility of applying a personal approach to each student in the learning process, if there is such a need.

• -    Difficulties with self-organization and self-motivation. Lack of psychological motivation and possible difficulties in the event that it is difficult to motivate yourself independently.

• -    Possible lack of technical capabilities, such as access to the Internet, computer, software.

• -    The requirements for computer literacy also narrows the circle of those who can study remotely.

• -    The difficulties of training in areas where the development of practical skills is required. In some areas, for example, driving training, distance learning is difficult to implement in principle.

• -    This type of training is difficult to implement with preschoolers and primary school students. Young children usually require a more lively approach.

• -    Lack of tight control over the learning process, which is necessary for some students so that they can gain knowledge.

• -    Restriction on the form of education, which sometimes happens only in writing. This can be a significant drawback, given that only one type of memory is involved.

It is more expedient to receive basic education in this way only if, for some reason, the traditional educational option is not available to students.