Online learning is a medium through which students can enrol in courses and be part of an
educational institution remotely. With deadly viruses circumnavigating the corners of the globe,
online learning has become more than just an option, it is the need of the hour. It has opened up
new doorways into multidisciplinary courses that can be undertaken by the student and created a
market for itself in society. Traits such as social habits, mannerism, ability to contribute to team
activities, and effective community living are all derived from online learning to integrate lives. Apart
from a flexible learning schedule and low costs of education, online learning has also proved to be
less stressful for the student. Where traditional education lacked was in its ability to facilitate other
areas of growth for the children. Online learning however, grants students’ opportunities of honing
other skills along with their academic commitments. One of the drawbacks that is associated with
online learning is the lack of social engagement and while it is not detrimental to growth, it has
restrictive aspects attributed to it.
Here are some tips on how students can maintain a social life while undergoing online learning:
- Interact with other students
Other than the interaction that takes place in a setting with an instructor present, students are encouraged to create informal study groups of their own. Not only does this help with reducing course work but helps in relating to other peers and attain a deeper understanding of how other minds function. It also aids in the development of communication skills that furthers the holistic agenda of online learning.
- Personal social life
Staring at a screen all day can get monotonous but to ease the process of learning and living a healthy social life, one must be prepared to tune out of classes from
time to time. This includes stepping out of the house for breathers or catching up with some friends that are facing similar odds. Creating a work-life balance helps in reducing stress and increase overall understanding of concepts. Social media is a great tool to share one’s skills or hobby with others that may or may not be part of the same institution.
- Interaction with instructor
The close-knit space that is created through online learning with the instructor is a great way of gaining key insights about the course or life in general.
Individual attention and participation assure that the student and the teacher are on the
same conceptual page while minimizing the scope of miscommunication. Furthermore,
clearing doubts becomes an instantaneous process wherein the student takes less pressure, and the teacher can assure that the correct procedure is adopted by the student.
- Debates
Learning attained from online classes can be applied in real time by students
engaging with each other in healthy, responsive, and mutually educative debates. This can
be organised by the instructor or students can formulate for themselves, but the idea is to
create a space for learning that is distinct from a school or institution. For example, debating on the effects of online learning itself can generate awareness amongst the students with each one finding something that personally resonates with them. Debates also create a uniform playing field and encourage the development of a competitive nature amongst the students.
- E-sports
The advancements in the gaming industry have allowed individuals to pay with
each other irrespective of where they are situated on the globe. Taking a break from class by playing a game or two rewires the brain to process information faster and more effectively. It also reduces the strain that physical activity brings with it while not compromising on the development of essential motor skills. With online games becoming more and more collaborative, it aids in team building and collaborative effort, which are essential areas of growth for young students.
- Creating content
Creating content is no doubt an arduous task but with technology
simplifying our lives, it has made the entire process easier. Generating memes or
participatory posts such as polls is a great way of interacting with the society at large and
finding a community of similar minds.
While online learning is a continuously developing field, it is vital for all to embrace the changing times and adapt so as to not be left behind. Our young are the most impacted by this shift and it is our collective duty to aid their growth, no matter the medium.