The Effects of Online Education on Families

School closures affected around 55.1 million students in the United States in April 2020, when they peaked. Educators are still attempting to determine how the shift to online learning will affect students in the long run. Researchers are concerned about a “COVID-19 slide,” which is akin to the “summer slide” – youngsters’ summer learning loss — but on a larger scale.

Parents are concerned as well. The Pew Research Center surveyed parents of K-12 students and discovered the following:

• Sixty-five percent of parents are worried that school disruptions and online learning will cause their children to fall behind academically.
• Sixty-three percent of parents are concerned that their children spend too much time in front of a device.
• Sixty percent of parents are concerned about their children’s capacity to maintain social interactions.
• In 59 percent of cases, parents are concerned about their children’s emotional well-being.

Individual learning styles, learning environments, and parental involvement are all elements that can affect how well a student’s education is delivered online. Some of the most common reasons why students fail to transition to life outside of the classroom are as follows:

• In the digital world, there is inequity. Students who have struggled the most lack access to a stable high-speed internet connection or a one-to-one device for online learning. Successful online learning is impossible without this technology, which millions of students lack.
• There is no organization. Many students flourish in a structured environment with a planned timetable. These students may be more distracted at home. They may fail to do homework or attend class meetings, thus impacting online education. Many parents work while their children attend online school. These families, in particular, may struggle to provide the same level of structure at home as they do at school.
• The relationship has diminished. Many students struggle with the lack of face-to-face engagement with their instructors and peers during the online study. Teachers may be unable to differentiate between students who are engaged in their work and those who require further guidance. Disengaged students may be unable to participate in online class discussions, and if the entire class is disengaged, the class meeting will be quiet and ineffectual.

While some students struggled with the shift to online schooling, others thrived. Educators and parents alike are taking notice, with many speculating on how this may have long-term consequences when students return to school. Teachers, parents, and students have identified several benefits of online learning, including the following:

• Schedules that are more adaptable Many students struggle with the demanding schedule of an on-campus school day, which can have a negative impact on their grades and retention. The flexibility that remote learning provides may be great for these students.
• More instruction that you can do at your leisure. Some students may benefit from dividing work into manageable chunks and taking breaks as needed, which aren’t always available on campus. When learning online, students find it easier to work at their own pace.
• There aren’t as many distractions. Students who are easily distracted or anxious may find it easier to concentrate and focus on their schoolwork at home. Shy children may struggle to answer questions or participate in class, but they will have an easier time doing so online.
• Control over oneself has improved. Students are becoming more self-sufficient by keeping track of their calendars, knowing when meetings are, making time during the day to work on tasks, and keeping track of due dates.
• More sleep is needed. Students benefit from more sleep as well. Children are better rested as a result of online education, which improves learning outcomes.

When schools and businesses were closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak, parents rapidly transformed rooms in their homes into classrooms and offices. One child may work at a desk in his or her bedroom, while another may study online at a dining room table. A parent or parents may be working from other parts of the house.

In addition to altering their living quarters, parents have taken on additional responsibilities as remote learning leaders or virtual learning teachers.

According to a Learning Heroes poll, parents spend an average of 2.5 hours per day helping their children with schoolwork, however, this may vary depending on the number and ages of children. Some parents have even resigned their professions to assist their children with online learning or to supplement school-based training.

These unexpected changes have strained families who are already concerned about their health and financial security; nonetheless, many families are looking for the bright side. Some of the benefits are as follows:

• On a daily basis, parents may feel more involved in their children’s education.
• Parents may acquire a better knowledge of their children’s educational experiences.
• Parents may be more aware of their children’s academic skills and weaknesses.
• Parents and their children’s instructors may form closer bonds.