Virtual learning: How effective is it? A 12th grader shares her experience

I was still in the 10th standard, studying at Trivandrum International School, when the pandemic struck, forcing us to stay at home. The prospect of learning online was a very novel idea and I wondered about how effective it would really be. On one hand, it was rather exciting to think about seeing my friends all at once right in front of me; but on the other hand, it wasn’t as exciting to think about not being able to see anyone in real life. Classroom interaction is something every student craves and virtual interaction is definitely very different from the usual norms of classroom activities - sitting together in a huddle while doing group activities, the shrill ring of the school bell, and the comforting smell of food from the lunch hall. These are only a few of the things I missed throughout my virtual learning experience.

Although isolation and studying while at home may seem like huge setbacks, it’s important to think on the bright side. The unfortunate aspects of the situation should also be kept in mind to improve not only ourselves but the quality of education we aspire to receive. After more than a year of virtual learning, I have put together a set of pros and cons that both students and parents may be able to relate to from their journey through the world of online textbooks and resources.

The bright side of virtual learning

1. Teaches you to be self-disciplined

A huge advantage is the fact that staying at home and learning to grasp concepts through a computer screen teaches students to be independent. It teaches them to manage time in a smart and efficient way to produce excellent outcomes in both their academics as well as extracurriculars. Every student has a different learning style and being able to work or study while utilizing those certain styles is a great way to be more aware of your strengths and weaknesses.

2. Access to all your learning materials in one place

Teachers often use various online resources such as podcasts, videos, PDFs, Jamboards, and so on. It’s easy to save whatever material is being shared with you all in one place; it’s unlikely that you would lose it and it’s also easily accessible. This makes revision for any upcoming test or exam trouble-free.

3. Offers flexibility

You can study anytime you want, from anywhere. This also fits students who like a more slow-paced style of learning. If the concept taught wasn’t grasped well, you can always revisit them through recordings and other material that has been posted for future reference.

The dark side of virtual learning

1. Can cause social isolation

One of the biggest problems of online learning is the isolation it creates; it physically isolates you from an enjoyable classroom atmosphere and the company of friends. No more sitting on the farthest bench hoping the teacher won’t notice you or secretly talking during class. Humans are extremely social beings and restricting the facet that comes naturally to us can be a terrifying thought. Studying alone with just a computer as your companion can be scary, but staying in touch with friends and keeping yourself occupied with activities you love doing can free you of the negative thoughts that cloud your mind.

2. More focus on theory than activities

We love activities and keeping ourselves busy with things to do. No one likes a lesson with just boring lectures that go on and on. Online learning can have a minimal number of activities when compared with those in physical classes. This means teachers could go on teaching more theory, causing students to become uninterested in what is being taught.

3. Internet connectivity issues

This is a problem surely every one of us has faced at some point in the world of virtual learning. In the middle of a class, the teacher suddenly freezes and is shown to have left the meet. More often, this happens with students and can cause a discontinuity in the process of learning, which could impact the student in a negative way.

These are just a few of the many differences that are posed by virtual learning. There are definitely many more benefits and downsides to the situation that has enveloped us, but one thing I’ve learned during this whole pandemic is that staying positive is a good way to keep your spirits up. These conditions are not going to last forever, so teaching ourselves to adapt to new situations like this can make us better prepared for something as unexpected as this. If it wasn’t for the unity and cooperation that people have strived toward during this trying time, we wouldn’t be here. We all have something to look forward to once this is over - for some, it may be making the most of the things they once took for granted; for others, it may just be a walk down the block. We all share the same hope of achieving normalcy again.