Because of the pandemic, educators have had to familiarize themselves and their students with online learning options. This brought up some concerns about the effectiveness of this new methodology, particularly vis-à-vis particular aspects such as managing homework.
What is traditional education and homework?
With traditional education, teachers would be in classrooms with students and use a blackboard or whiteboard. Homework was assigned in the classroom. It could involve paperwork sent home with children. Or it could be an assignment of questions to be worked from a textbook.
Also included were special projects. Some, such as science projects, might involve working in a group. Students would turn these assignments in while in class.
What is online education and homework?
Online learning allows both teacher-led and student-paced approaches to education. The content itself can include not just text but also images and videos. In addition, there are ways that student progress can be assessed and interactive activities and learning games they can participate in.
Providing online homework can be challenging. However, it is similar to traditional homework in that, in both cases, the student works on assignments at home.
Unique challenges and benefits of online education and homework
There are challenges to online education and homework. While it’s true that homework, in either case, occurs at home, the quality of the classroom experience affects the ability of students to complete their assignments.
There are also unique advantages for those who are learning online.
● Motivation and discipline
In a traditional classroom setting, the teacher helps students maintain a schedule and meet goals. The teacher also provides personal interaction that helps them stay motivated.
When students learn online, they may be more likely to procrastinate and not keep up with the curriculum. This means they might not be able to complete homework on time effectively.
● Flexibility
If a child is too sick to attend in a traditional classroom setting, they will miss the material presented that day, including any homework given out. While there may be a chance to catch up, sometimes this doesn’t work.
However, even if a student is sick, they can learn via the virtual classroom with online options. Homework is also not a problem since assignments are given online and the student can do them and maintain their academic standing.
● Social Interaction
In a traditional classroom setting, students interact with each other and the teacher. For example, they can compare notes and discuss assignments on a group project.
While not being able to get together can make it harder to manage these factors, on the other hand, there are also ways to make online projects more interesting, so students are motivated to take part.
Available tools to help teachers manage online homework
Fortunately, online resources such as the Adobe Education Exchange provide creative suggestions for teachers. One example is the many free ideas delivered in a 6 grade science project ideas section. Some forums allow teachers to help each other navigate the unique challenges offered by online education.
As you can see, children can do homework and group projects through online tools successfully. While there are challenges, there are also unique opportunities.
