The Importance of Distance Learning for Preschoolers
During this unsettling period caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, schools around the world are reaching out to children and parents by offering support and guidance through distance learning. Both teachers and students need to stay engaged with online distance learning. Implementing distance learning at the preschool level is aimed at easing the children’s access to information, developing children’s ability to work following a schedule, increasing eye-hand coordination, remembering the information clearly, and in some way, also at motivating them to learn and solve problems independently.
Studies have shown that children learn by using their sense of sight and hearing in the learning process. Children naturally gravitate towards technology and are glad to engage in it. By using the learning platform that we have chosen, the children can communicate with other children and teachers and also increase the engagement of students since it uses videos and images with bright colors. The videos can be watched many times and children can master the concepts by repetition. Other than the platform we use for Distance Learning, parents may also use the free online resources such as those provided by ABC Radio Brisbane and www. twinkl.com.au
Ian Mugridge, in his book entitled Distance Education and Open Learning, stated that Distance education is “a form of education in which there is normally a separation between teacher and learner and thus, one in which other means - the printed and written word, the telephone, computer conferencing or teleconferencing, for example - are used to bridge the physical gap.”
According to Anderson J. William, the main goal of distance learning is to overcome barriers of place and time. Students may live in isolated, less populated and nonurban, rural areas and have no access to education. Other learners may have ready access to a private school or college but that college might not offer the course of study needed by the students. Distance Learning allows education to reach those who are not able to physically attend classes.
One of the most important purposes of distance learning is to provide an opportunity for education, often on an individual basis, to students who are unable to be physically present in a classroom. Also it provides equity in educational opportunities by allowing access to quality education for those who would have been denied.
There are other benefits to Distance learning and is explained by The Virtual learning book. These are: 1) accessing students without face to face learning opportunities, 2) associated with technology, and 3) also increases the effectiveness of education through the use of items such as sound and image.
By distance learning, we are helping parents to keep their children learning and exploring with high motivation from the safety and security of their own home.
References:
Anderson, J. William ( 2003 ). Handbook of Distance of Education. Retrieved from https://books.google.co.id/books?id=AgUe9cR-4jgC&pg=PT169&dq= on 30th March 2020
Daniel, J.S, I.Mugridge (1986). Cooperation in Distance Education and Open Learning. Retrieved from https://books.google.co.id/books?id=xhiIAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA1&dq=
Retrieved from www.twinkle.com.au on 30th March 2020
Retrieved from www.abc.net.au/radio/brisbane/online resources on 30th March 2020
