User:Wyatt Wachs/Distance education

Impact On Mental Health

Distance education also contributes to mental health issues. It is very difficult to complete schoolwork or stay on a zoom call all day at home. The number of distractions is countless. Being home all day and unable to socially interact with your peers in person can be very mentally draining. Recess is so important for younger kids because they need that time to socialize but while on zoom, nothing is even close to the same.

While all students may be affected, students of lower socioeconomic localities have higher mental distress due to their limited financial capacity to obtain the necessary gadgets and internet connectivity. Places like China and the Philippines are seen to have students with higher mental health issues due to the impact of the pandemic. In the Philippines, children were seen to have higher mental health issues than adults, which is alarming. This is due to the hardships of the switch to online schooling. Usually, adults have much more stress and anxiety than their children due to the fact that they have to provide and have a stable income. The fact that young students all around the world were more stressed than their parents during this time is saddening. Below are a few ways in which you can address these issues.

1.) Open cameras only when necessary

-technology can be exhausting especially when it is new to you. Avoiding any screen time when possible can help boost mental health. In the United States, it may seem normal for someone to open up their computer and video chat for school. In other places that may not be as developed, connectivity errors can pose large amounts of stress and anxiety to students who can't attend school simply due to their connection. Even though it may be easier in a developed country, this consistent screen time can play a huge role in one's mental health. One way in which this issue could be helped would include the instructor only asking for students to show their cameras when necessary or called upon.

2.) Avoid requiring school uniforms during online class

-Although this may sound absurd, many schools required a dress code while learning virtually. These issues are more so targeted toward developed countries with access to these kinds of requirements. In a less developed country, these requirements may pose a financial burden on students and their families. In general, this would be one less thing to stress over when shifting to distance learning due to the pandemic.

3.) Take regular classroom breaks and avoid multitasking

- This step is very important when it comes to mental health. Throughout the school day, everyone needs a break of some sort. This break should not be dedicated to social media or video games. staying active or even going outside for some fresh air can help ease the mind and stress that comes with distance learning. It is recommended to take a break every 30 minutes to avoid multitasking and migraines. Screen fatigue plays one of the biggest roles in hurting someone's mental health. Starring on a screen for too long can become overwhelming and exhausting. Without a break, many people tend to dose off resulting in a lack of education.

4.) Promote self-activities

- to promote self-care, it is important that you pay attention to the body, mind, family, and environment. It is clear that none of these suggestions have anything to do with a screen. staying active and surrounding yourself with good people will help achieve a positive state of mind. Staying educated on mental health and learning all of the ways to avoid it or overcome it is essential to living a healthy lifestyle.

 Pros and Cons of Distance Learning 

When comparing the pros and cons of distance learning, many people have different outlooks. Going to college is a big decision but now, many students are taking the virtual route to see where it takes them. There are many advantages to helping a person develop personally and professionally. These advantages also come with many disadvantages which is why it is very hard for students nowadays to choose.

 Pros 

1.) Flexibility

- Flexibility is one of if not THE biggest advantages that comes with virtual learning. Although this may seem very promising, it is very hard on younger students who are new to this style of learning. Many students rely on the structure that school provides them when it comes to turning in work. Online schooling allows students to be able to slack off a bit more and if that student is not organized with a well-structured schedule, it could result in poor grades. This style of learning allows you to work whenever and wherever you want. At first, someone may dedicate themselves to learning so that they can start off strong. Over time, this could result in the student procrastinating and not finishing the work they need to.

2.) Keeping Priorities

-With the flexibility that this provides, allows the student to focus on their priorities in life at times such as their family and friends.

3.) Develop time management skills

-Distance learning allows students to work on and develop good time management skills. Right from the start, it is very important that these students create good habits that allow them to manage their time. Avoiding procrastination and creating yourself a set schedule can help you succeed.

4.) Choose your preferred learning style

- It allows you to choose the learning style that you personally prefer. Some people are visual learners while others learn better in person.

5.) Immediate accessibility

- Faculty, peers, and class documents are all very easily accessed. This makes it much quicker to get some of your work done

6.) Save on your tuition

- It is pretty obvious that virtual learning is less expensive in many ways. College is very expensive and this style of learning won't let you have the college experience but it can save you a lot of money.

7.)workplace preparation

- Many organizations are shifting their employees to work virtually. As we keep gaining more technology, the easier it is for companies to allow people to work virtually. Distance learning can prepare you for the real world in many ways.

 Cons 

1.) Less in-person interaction

- In general, there is way less interaction in person. Not seeing your friends at school can be very hard mentally. Many young students look forward to going to school to hang out with their friends, learn, and enjoy recess or activities. Without these, it can leave a young student in a sad state of mind.

2.) Limitation on majors

- This style of learning doesn't have access to many of the majors that you may see on a real college campus in person.

3.) You're responsible for establishing a routine

- Establishing your own routine may seem simple but it's not. Classes on campus require students to meet in person multiple times a week. These factors work to create a daily routine for students. Distance learning is actually the exact opposite. There is no specific time to meet or any short-term deadlines. It is all on the student to figure out when and where they will be completing work.

4.) Technological requirements

- Students who learn online must have a computer and a reliable Wifi. This may not seem like a big deal because in developed countries this is very normal but in non-developed or developing countries, many people struggle with these issues. You will constantly run into technical issues and errors that may be very frustrating as well.

5.)Distractions

- Distractions are one of the biggest downsides of virtual learning. Nowadays there are so many distractions and without a guardian, it is very hard for anyone to not get distracted. Even in school, many students struggle with distractions when opening their computers or phone could you imagine what it's like to be alone at home?