Remote learning has become a distant memory for many students as schools transitioned back to traditional classrooms post-pandemic. However, thousands of students still thrive on remote learning.Those in conflict zones, people living in geographically isolated areas and VCE students wanting extra revision classes are all reaping the benefits of remote learning.

Monash Education’s digital learning expert, and former school principal Michael Phillips highlights the intrinsic value of remote learning.

The mention of ‘remote and distance learning’ is likely to cause some students, parents and teachers distress. Challenges abounded with online learning during the pandemic; many students found it difficult to stay focused and motivated, technology and internet connectivity wasn’t always cooperative and many teachers felt ill-prepared and under-resourced for such a rapid transition.

These experiences sit in sharp contrast to those of thousands of teachers and students who choose to teach and learn in virtual rather than face-to-face settings.

In fact, these planned and resourced virtual learning opportunities are becoming increasingly popular.

Virtual School Victoria – the state’s largest school

Victoria’s largest school – Virtual School Victoria – has more than 5,500 enrolled primary and secondary students. It’s rapid growth after face-to-face schooling returned is largely attributed to meeting the needs of:

• students in geographically remote areas
• students with particular social and emotional needs or chronic illness
• young elite athletes or performers whose schedules don’t fit in with face-to-face school timetables.

This online school provides these students with comprehensive educational opportunities they would otherwise miss out on.

Monash Virtual School – provides free VCE revision classes

Thousands of students actively seek to supplement their face-to-face schooling with additional educational support. The Monash Virtual School provides this supplementary assistance with hundreds of free, online science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) VCE revision classes every year.

In 2022, more than 25,000 places were booked by young Victorian’s seeking to enhance their educational experience by attending online classes.

This resource has made a significant impact. 92% of students attending these classes reported that they felt more confident tackling their VCE exams after attending one or more online classes conducted by the Monash Virtual School.

Remote learning is life changing in war-affected countries

In partnership with Classrooms without Walls based in Canada, the Monash Virtual School provides fundamental educational opportunities for 70,000 young people.

In 2022, more than 1,000 free online classes were offered to students whose education had been disrupted by conflict in places including Ukraine and Myanmar.

Volunteer educators and those studying to become teachers deliver the online classes. All volunteers are provided with orientation sessions and professional development materials to enhance their online teaching skills as well as their understanding of trauma informed practice.

February 24, 2023 marks the one year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. While lives have been severely disrupted, the educational opportunities offered through this program have provided some normality, structure and hope for these young people. The online classes provide a safe learning space, a distraction from the horrors of war and a connection with teachers wanting to listen and understand.

Andrew, a child in Ukraine said that from the fifth day of the war, he lost Ukrainian television, internet and all connections to his country, except for the Monash Virtual School program. He said of the program “for me it wasn’t just like a school, it is a connection to Ukraine and the whole world.”

Sofia, also from Ukraine, says the program has helped her find “a familiar place in unfamiliar places” and people who will listen and understand her. She says “thank you from all Ukrainians for everything that you do.”

Listen to the fascinating story of the development of these Virtual School programs told by Associate Professor Mike Phillips (Monash Virtual School) and David Falconer (Canadian school principal and Executive Director of Classrooms without Walls).

While some young people and their families may cringe at the thought of ‘remote and distance learning’, for many others, ‘digital’ is not a dirty word.

The Monash Virtual School is proudly funded by the Invergowrie Foundation. The school is dedicated to providing free, online learning opportunities that enhance educational opportunity for all students, regardless of their background or location. We believe that education is a human right and that every student deserves equal access to quality education.

Their vision is to establish a world where all young people have access to quality education that allows them to reach their full potential. They work towards this by collaborating with schools to develop STEM learning programs, offering online revision classes for senior school students, and providing educational support for displaced young people living in conflict zones around the world. Working together to remove barriers to education will help empower young people to build a better future for themselves and their communities.

References

‘Overcoming remote learning’s three greatest challenges’, Tony Maguire