A perspective by BTC teacher, Lucy Wayman
I have taught and learned in the online space for over a decade. The developments that have taken place over this time have been phenomenal. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry when I think back on some lessons I have delivered. To those of you who worked online in the past, how many of these scenarios are familiar?
😵💫 Mobile phones: A student trying to understand a detailed process while only having a mobile phone screen to look at? I have seen up the nostrils of more people than I care to think about, as they peer up close at their tiny screens working out how to factorise a quadratic equation.
😵💫 Discounts: Clients wanting to negotiate a discount on teaching because it’s not a ‘proper lesson’? If only they knew how much more planning and preparation went into those lessons.
😵💫 Tech failing? To be fair, this still happens, although far less frequently. Everything from apps needing to be updated, sound not working, and the dreaded internet being down.
😵💫 Basic online tools: Getting to grips with collaborative whiteboards, only to find that none of the students will participate? Some students seemed to think that online teaching meant that they should be entirely passive.
Things have moved on considerably, thankfully! When I think about what has made the biggest differences to me personally, these things, in no particular order, spring to mind.
😀 Better internet. Almost universally now, wi-fi has got faster and supports more devices running high bandwidth apps.
😀 Familiarity with online expectations. Students tend now to make the effort to keep their cameras on and participate in lessons.
😀 Websites and platforms being optimised for online learning. There are so many more tools at our disposal.
😀 Availability of different courses. Almost anything can be delivered online these days, opening doors for people all around the world.
From a situation where students opted for online delivery only when a face-to-face option was not available, I now find myself in the situation where the majority of my teaching is done online, by request. I also find that I do all my continuing professional development online. Enrolling on interesting short courses is my new compulsion. Instead of buying unnecessary home décor items, I collect skills, knowledge and qualifications in areas as diverse as ADHD in teenagers, portrait drawing and Excel spreadsheets, to name but a few. So many people I know now take courses as an integral part of their life. I can’t think of a single reason why this could be a bad idea. It makes me better at my job, I keep my brain working, I discover new interests, I meet new people, and my CV is upgraded and fresh.
Online learning can take many forms. For me, I love the short courses, but for others, it is now a viable alternative to a full-time physical school. But the features of online school that are attractive to me are also the main reasons why more and more students are choosing online learning as their school of choice. I’ve been thinking of the features of online schooling that have evolved that people love.
❤️ Flexibility: Students can learn at their own pace and schedule, and from anywhere in the world. Most online solutions have a mix of live and recorded lessons, and independent study. This means that education can be fitted around other commitments, whether that be having a regular job, raising a family, playing sports, medical needs etc. It also means flexibility in terms of time needed to complete a qualification, allowing students either to compress or expand a standard qualification, to suit individual circumstances.
❤️ Pick and Mix courses: Instead of the ‘set menu’ that you get in a traditional school, an online school is far more able to provide you with a bespoke combination of courses. Fancy doing a couple of GCSEs alongside Art A Level, or a foundation course in business and management? Absolutely possible online.
❤️ No preconceptions: It doesn’t matter how old you are, your ability level or your history before starting online school. Online school does not judge.
❤️ Cost-effectiveness: Students can save money by not having to commute to a campus or even move across a country or the world in order to study the subject of choice. Because of lower overheads, online schools are often cheaper than their bricks and mortar equivalents.
❤️ Global interaction: Students can connect with other students and professionals from around the world. Online learning also helps develop professional networks. Students can be based anywhere in the world and be able to access the precise qualification that they need, so they can follow their own particular path or passion.
❤️ Wellbeing: Students can create a study space for themselves in a place where they are comfortable and confident. The traditional school setting is not suitable for many students, and they do not find going into a large setting each day to be a positive or fulfilling experience. Online school can feel safer and meet students’ social and emotional needs.
At Bristol Tutorial College we have observed that growing need for high-quality, flexible education and qualifications that can be delivered online. We recognise that a physical school may not suit the individual requirements of all students, and have sought to create a solution to allow all students the benefits of learning, growing, and gaining valuable qualifications while not being restricted by location. If you fancy exploring what learning you could do next, and what paths you could explore, then get in touch with us, and we will support you on your personal journey.