The Importance of Online Learning

2/3/2023

The pandemic in 2020 forced families into online learning as it was the only way to be able to learn. We saw online educational organizations boom with students from different parts of the world sharing a virtual space with other students that they would not have otherwise met. While studies have shown the psychological and social effects the pandemic had on the human population, the concept of online learning has since evolved and has since changed how we receive education. There is no replacement for in-person lessons, but instead online classes have evolved as another form of learning.

While the pandemic turned our world upside down (literally), online learning allowed students the time to be able to further develop their knowledge and skills in other areas.

Online classes have made learning fun for students. In 2015, Outschool created an online marketplace for families to choose classes that interested them. These classes could range from fun classes about Pokémon, Minecraft, and how to make Boba tea to more academic related courses to help students fulfill schooling requirements. This has made it possible for students to explore a variety of interests that they would not otherwise find.

Saves time. Nowadays with fluctuating gas prices, online classes have made it so that students are able to save time and focus on learning right away without the hassle of trying to coordinate carpooling and timings for school buses helping both parents and students save time in transportation. Students can simply turn on their computer and with a stable internet connection, learning begins right away. This also allows for parents and students to have more free time in their lives.

Increased convenience and flexibility. In addition to saving time, online learning is very convenient that allows students the flexibility to learn and organize their schedule as they see fit. Online programs like Keystone allow students the flexibility to learn at their own pace that also encourages critical thinking skills.

Time management. Online classes teach students time management as students have to engage with the content that they are learning. This allows students to be able to learn more effectively and gain knowledge from their coursework, but also how to organize their time throughout the week in preparation for that.

Immediate Feedback. At the Music & Language Learning Center, our instructors are required to give immediate feedback within a 24 to 48-hour time frame from receiving work from our students. This makes it so that students feel connected with our instructors, but also it makes it so they can learn faster and try new things.

While the pandemic turned our world upside down (literally), it allowed me the time to be able to further develop my skills in other areas that made it so I would be better not only as a musician and teacher, but also as a small business owner. During this period, I had worked simultaneously on my Advanced Professional Certificate in Music Theory & Analysis at the Berklee College of Music along with being one of 60 cohorts in the Global Leaders Program, which also personalized my own education as I was clear in what I had wanted to learn.