Virtual Classrooms, Real Impact: The Hidden Benefits of Remote & Online Learning

Online and remote learning was once considered a temporary solution during the COVID-19 pandemic. As students opt to continue learning online, many are seeing long-term benefits that could revolutionize how we think about education.

Defining Terms

While the terms "remote learning" and "online learning" are often used interchangeably, they can denote slightly different concepts.

• Remote Learning generally refers to any learning that takes place outside of a traditional classroom setting. It encompasses a broad range of teaching methods and technologies used to deliver education to students who are not physically present in a school. This term became particularly prominent during the COVID-19 pandemic when schools adopted various remote strategies, including paper-based homework, phone calls, and live video sessions, to continue education.
• Online Learning, on the other hand, specifically refers to education delivered through digital platforms on the internet. It typically involves the use of virtual classrooms, online courses, and digital resources, and may include live instruction, pre-recorded lessons, interactive exercises, and assessments. Online learning is a subset of remote learning that strictly relies on Internet technology.

For the purposes of this article, we will use the term "online learning," although our focus is on students who have opted to no longer be in traditional classrooms. As modern educators know, students can participate in online learning while being in a traditional classroom setting. This blended approach, often referred to as blended learning or hybrid learning, integrates online educational tools and resources with conventional in-person teaching.

How Online Classes Make A Difference

Education champions like Bill Gates and Blaire Penry highlight the profound impact online learning can have on students. Penry, Teacher of the Year for Washington State, developed a curriculum that not only catered to the immediate needs of remote learning but also provided lasting value by emphasizing social justice and community engagement.

"Online is great for lots of different types of kids," says Penry, "those kids who need different learning environments. It is great for those who want a little bit more flexibility." Her innovative approach utilized chat functions and interactive tools to foster a connected and inclusive learning environment.

Adjusting Learning Based On Analytics

Bill Gates, who conducted the interview with Penry, asked: "So, the next big thing is artificial intelligence. Tell me what you see there?"

Penry outlined a vision for AI providing instant feedback, such as on a writing project. She also pointed the value of real-time data analytics: "Knowing exactly where the that student is and going to your dashboard, seeing those analytics and being like, okay, for tomorrow's lesson, I really need to bump this up. That's immediate feedback not only for your students, but for you as an educator, as well."

The Future of Education

For over a decade, Sal Khan has pushed the concept of online learning and a flipped classroom experience. He faced many skeptics who believed students would never be able to effectively learn. The world gradually accepted online learning and Khan Academy gained more than 155 million registered users. But, Sal Khan views the current state of education as a mixed bag.

Compared to 10 years ago, Khan says many aspects of education have gotten worse, and the pandemic only exacerbated many existing problems with student success and teacher burnout. On his blog, he stated his belief that we are at an "inflection point in education," where careful integration of AI can ensure equitable benefits across society.

In his TED Talk, Khan further outlined his vision for online learning: "We're at the cusp of using AI for probably the biggest positive transformation that education has ever seen. The idea is not just to replace the classroom experience but to enhance it. AI can provide personalized tutoring to every student, helping them to master concepts at their own pace. This is akin to providing one-to-one tutoring, which studies have shown to be highly effective. Our goal is to harness this technology responsibly and share its benefits equally across society, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential."

Challenges and Future Outlook

While online education offers many advantages, it is crucial to address challenges such as the digital divide and ensure diverse and inclusive content. The careful integration of AI, as highlighted by Khan, Penry and Gates, can enhance learning experiences and provide tailored support to students.

Final Thoughts

The transition to online education is more than just a temporary solution; it represents a foundational shift toward a more inclusive and flexible educational system. This approach offers greater accessibility, fostering independent problem-solving, and ensuring equitable access to quality education. It also brings innovative teaching methods that cater to diverse learning needs. The pandemic has highlighted both effective and ineffective practices in online education. By leveraging these experiences, we can continue to refine online education, ensuring it remains a valuable tool for bridging educational gaps and providing opportunities for all learners to excel.

I volunteered in education for 16 years before working for the local school district as a STEM Lab educator. I retired during the pandemic as there was no sufficient portal available to bring my lab activities online. These days, I enjoy researching and writing about AI.

Additional Resources for Inquisitive Minds:

• Gates Notes. My trip to the frontier of AI education. (July 9, 2024.)
• Khan Academy Blog. "Harnessing GPT-4 so that all students benefit. A nonprofit approach for equal access." (March 14, 2023.)
• Sal Khan’s 2023 TED Talk: AI in the classroom can transform education. Posted on May 1, 2023. Khan Academy Blog.

FAQs

• What is the main benefit of online education? It offers flexibility and a personalized learning environment for students.
• How did Blaire Penry adapt her curriculum for online learning? She developed new materials and focused on engaging students through interactive tools like chat.
• What are some challenges of online education? Ensuring diverse content and managing biases in AI tools.
• Is online education suitable for everyone? No, it depends on the student's needs and learning style.
• What is the role of AI in online education? AI can help track progress and provide personalized tutoring, but it requires careful management to avoid biases.

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