Education Review Issue 04 August-September 2023 | Page 20

in the classroom

Off campus

Why distance education suits children being bullied .
By Jeremy Kwok

Many parents understand the heartbreaking experience of having a child who is being bullied . Watching your child go through bullying can be traumatic , leaving you searching for solutions to help your child find relief from their circumstances .

Distance education may be the answer , offering your child the opportunity to take control of their educational environment and focus on their studies without the added stress of bullying .
Here , we discuss what distance education is , how it works , why distance education is a great option for children who are being bullied , and how it can help them navigate this difficult period in their lives .
What is distance education ? Distance education is a form of learning that allows students to study online from any location . You might think of it as ‘ off-campus schooling ’. With distance education , students can learn at their own pace and in their own time , and don ’ t have to worry about dealing with negative social behaviours from their peers .
Distance education is a legislated form of schooling in Australia in which your child is enrolled with a registered school and studies at home . The school provides the learning program and qualified teachers , and the student is supervised at home by a parent or another responsible adult . Unlike home schooling , families are not visited by inspectors from government authorities , because our school holds the registration .
Distance education can take many shapes and forms , from online courses to correspondence courses . ‘ School of the Air ’ was the original form of distance education in Australia . Distance education also has advantages for students who live in remote locations or who have mobility issues , as it allows them to access the same quality of education without having to travel .
Distance education has several advantages over traditional classrooms , such as convenience , flexibility and cost savings . Additionally , many distance education courses are available on a self-paced basis , so students can work independently and move through the material at their own speed . Distance education can also help those who may have difficulty in traditional classrooms , such as those with learning disabilities or mental health issues . With distance education , these students can access the same content without having to manage the issues associated with a physical classroom setting .
How does distance education work ? Distance education is a legitimate , recognised type of education that takes place remotely from the school campus and is asynchronous from the teachers . This means that the student doesn ’ t have to engage in learning at the same time as the teacher is delivering the lesson .
Distance education may involve selfpaced modules , group discussions , video lessons , or other forms of instruction . Learning materials and resources may be provided online or through the mail , depending on the program . To participate in distance education , students must typically have access to a computer with internet access and an email account . Distance education requires students to actively engage in class activities such as :
• participating in discussions
• completing assignments
• taking exams
• communicating with their teacher .
Class materials , such as textbooks and lectures , are usually available online . Depending on the program , distance education can involve a variety of tasks , so students should become familiar with the expectations before enrolling in any course .
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