Whenever online schooling is brought up in a conversation the first question you hear is “But how do online students socialise” Since online schools are a fairly new concept to some, it is understandable why many would steer clear of the unknown. We decided to answer the question once and for all.
Firstly let’s talk about what socialisation really is!
Socialisation refers to prosocial behaviour between humans, which can influence the behaviour of an individual in positive as well as negative ways. It is particularly important during infancy, childhood and adolescence (the developmental stages).
In other words, is it important for school kids to socialise? Absolutely.
Does socialisation have to occur in a school environment? Not at all.
Let’s talk about it in more detail;
Online learning still provides students with opportunities for debate and familiarising themselves with diverse or opposing opinions. This can happen within the classroom environment when prompted by teachers on a relevant topic, or outside of the classroom, when students socialise with each other, even in an online format.
There are many different ways for students to socialise in online school:
Join activities: Attend online school events, clubs, and groups.
Talk to people: Participate in class discussions and online chats.
Be friendly: Introduce yourself and be open to making new friends.
Work together: Collaborate on assignments and projects.
Have fun: Enjoy your online school experience!
How do online students socialise outside of school
Online schools generally cover the core curriculum, leaving students with plenty of time and options when it comes to selecting extracurricular activities they prefer, instead of those covered by offline schools. In other words, you can pick your favourite sports and clubs to join locally, dedicate more time to what you love and make friends with similar interests!
Within the classroom, talking to your friends can also be a significant distraction, causing gaps in learning. Conflict and arguments between peers can not only be distracting, but even make students uncomfortable in the classroom environment and demotivate students from learning. This, thankfully, isn’t the case at online schools. With plenty of opportunities for positive socialisation, we are able to make sure no one engages in any bullying and discriminatory behaviour.
In conclusion, our students are able to make friends both inside and outside of the school, they are able to organise meets and have a thriving social life with friends they choose!
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