The events of the last few years came with many changes in technology and connectivity and how they affect our lives. Many people worldwide shifted to doing things remotely, including education. Remote learning is now a new norm in West Michigan.
Simply put, remote learning refers to the situation whereby the educator and the learner are not physically present in a conventional classroom environment. Dissemination of instructions occurs through technology tools such as video conferencing, discussion boards, and virtual assessments. In short, the focus is to hold the face-to-face classroom over the web.
But how is remote learning impacting high school students in Grand Rapids? Is it benefiting all types of students regardless of their learning styles? This article discusses the type of students who benefits from remote learning.
The Benefits of Self-pacing
Learning sessions at NexTech High School in Grand Rapids, MI, high schools start at 8.00 am. Although some schools may have different schedules, the bottom line is many students have little reprieve since classes follow each other back to back. However, school schedules have become more fluid during the era of remote learning, allowing students to choose when and how to do their school work.
Micromanagement of the typical school day is no longer in a flex high school, thus allowing students to taste more independence. This reprieve allows students to take breaks to relax or exercise. The students perform well as they enjoy working at their own pace and choosing what they want with their day.
Ease Overworked Students’ Schedules
High school students are occupied most of the time. They spend more than seven and half hours of their nights on homework every week. During the day, club meetings hijack their lunch breaks. The students are also expected to participate in sports or extracurricular activities or work part-time for the few hours they have after school.
But since online high school programs kicked in, there is a difference in how the students perform; they have more time for schoolwork since sports and social activities have not been happening. Other than improved performance, doing away with the jam-packed schedule can protect students from developing health issues. Research reveals that overcommitted students have higher chances of experiencing unhealthy anxiety levels.
Re-Evaluate Expectations
The change in academic expectations during remote learning could be the reason behind the improved performance. Due to the structure of online high school and prevalent equity issues, many schools encouraged educators to be more lenient in assignments and grading. The total workload lessened as teachers made the tasks accessible instead of overwhelming.
Academic pressure tops the list of the pressure facing teens, with 61% stating that they feel the compulsion to attain certain grades. With remote learning, students do not experience the extreme pressure of failing; thus can learn more and perform better.
Reduce Distractions
Remote learning cuts off the in-person connection that students had in school. While socialization is important, it could also come with anxiety in school due to physical and verbal bullying by other students. Bullying is not rare in schools, and at least 20% of learners aged 12-18 have confessed to having encountered the vice in the past. Victims of bullying may perform poorer compared to their non-bullied peers.
Get Enough Sleep
Educators also attribute enough sleep to increased performance during remote learning. Online high school students can now sleep eight hours every night, unlike the in-person school system, where over 70% of students across 30 states could not get adequate sleep during the school year. Teens aged 12 to 18 should need 8-10 of sleep per night, while those between six and twelve need 12 hours.
Learn More About Remote Learning
Although remote learning may be technologically frustrating and socially stultifying, it makes education more flexible and accessible. Besides, it is helpful for student learning styles such as visual learning. Educators should understand more and embrace remote learning in the current age of unpredictability when everyone needs to meet adversity and changes with determination, flexibility, and willingness to adapt.
For updates on what is happening with remote learning at our Grand Rapids high school, reach out to us or give us a call via 616-458-4992.
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