Students and teachers in YRDSB learn the benefits of virtual learning

Aadil Nadeem - Yrdsb student - Markham, Ontario - Published Feb. 18 2021

Students and teachers in YRDSB are using the benefits of virtual learning during the
pandemic
and are enjoying an increased sense of flexibility and control over their learning.

As a result of the pandemic due to Covid-19, many teen students within Yrdsb resulted
in an alternative and safer form of learning during 2020 and 2021 …. Virtual Classes.
Many benefits of this form of education are not being popularized with students, when in
fact a variety of students may gain an advantage from the resources and benefits virtual
classes present such as flexibility, control over learning, and the lack of peer judgment
in one's achievements in a course.

Sai Sujay Anamangandla , an astounding student attending Bur Oak Secondary School
exclaimed when asked about the flexibility of virtual classes, “ It definitely gives me
more flexibility as I can sleep for longer, can attend class in my pyjamas, and have more
time to do work.”

Sai Sujay Anamangandla also explained the newfound oversight he experienced over
his learning. When asked if he believes he has control over his learning, he told
reporters, “ I think I am the boss of my learning with virtual school. I always make sure
to take my own notes, finish work on time, do homework, and pay attention in class.”

Numerous students like Sai Sujay Anamangandla have a fresh realization of the
benefits virtual classes present during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

An additional form of assistance Virtual Classes presents is a very important one: online
resources. Rather than being expected to learn the majority of the content in class, in
virtual classes, online resources are present for students to learn at one's own pace and
may very well improve their accomplishments in the course.

When Natalie Blau, a Virtual school English teacher, was asked about the distribution of
online resources for her students she said, “Providing online resources definitely helps
students productivity and success. I always post my daily lessons on Google
Classroom. This way, if my students are away, or need to review the lessons, they are
posted on our course website. Providing such online resources help to keep online
learning organized and accessible for my students.”

As well, Steven D. Krause, a Professor of English Language and Literature at Eastern

Michigan University persuaded in an article he wrote on why he would rather teach
online learning, “When I teach online, my students and I can be inside or outside and
we can sit wherever and however we want. In Michigan, where a winter storm can make
commuting to campus hazardous or even impossible, the ability to be in class from the
comfort of wherever you live or wherever you can get internet access is an enormous
advantage.”

Not only are students receiving control and flexibility with their Virtual classes, the
frontier at which, when and where they can learn is expanded, letting people who do not
live near or in the most ideal areas not having to worry about commuting.

Peer pressure is a very real effect of in person class many students struggle with. Many
times students in face to face classes are scared to achieve success and take risks
enhancing their understanding within the course. Infact when 6 students were asked if
they feel peer pressure during virtual classes, 66% of them said yes, and when asked if
this increases their performance in classes, 60% answered yes as well. In such manner,
virtual classes may cultivate the needs of people like introverts and shy people who fear
risk and improve their chances of achieving greater successes due to lack of peer
judgment.

With all things considered, Yrdsb students, parents, and teachers are anticipating to
frequently take advantage of the assistance and added benefits of learning virtually
along with continuing their unique educational journey through 2021.