Rethinking Education: The Revolutionary Impact of Online Learning

Mariana Marques – Content Manager, Inspired Online Schools, with contribution from Dr. Penny Alston – Head of Primary School, King’s InterHigh

In an increasingly tech-driven world, traditional education is transforming and revealing new possibilities for how we learn and teach. Online education is nothing new. In fact, online schools have been around for almost two decades. But it was after the COVID-19 pandemic that many realised the opportunities online learning unlocks.

In this piece, we will delve into the distinctive factors of online learning, exploring some of its key benefits and use cases. From using cutting-edge technology for personalised learning, to making class recordings available 24/7, online schools have unique advantages that can complement the offering of traditional schools.

A New Way of Learning

Imagine an educational environment where learning extends beyond the physical classroom, allowing schools to better support students’ diverse needs and adapt to unique learning styles. With online schools complementing mainstream education, students and teachers benefit from a blended approach that integrates the strengths of both in-person and online learning.

Online schools offer students the opportunity to study a comprehensive curriculum and gain recognisable qualifications from anywhere in the world. “We are a proper school, children attend proper lessons and sit in proper ‘classrooms’ — we just happen to be online,” says Dr. Penny Alston, Head of Primary School at King’s InterHigh, the UK’s leading online school.

Most online schools provide the same comprehensive British curriculum as traditional schools, with some even offering additional courses that allow students to pursue their passions. While the curriculum mirrors that of a physical school, online learning takes advantage of cutting-edge technology and unique features that enhance the educational experience in ways traditional settings cannot.

Personalisation: Tailoring Education to Individual Needs

One of the most compelling aspects of online education is its capacity for personalisation. With traditional schools, there is often a need to follow a more standardised approach, with fixed-paced teaching, limited flexibility in class scheduling, and resources that can’t always make the most of the possibilities available today.

In many cases, larger class sizes can make it challenging for students to get the individual attention they need, potentially impacting students with diverse needs and unique learning styles. Even with the best of intentions, the flexibility and level of personalisation that online schools can provide are difficult to match.

Online schools, on the other hand, are uniquely placed to offer a level of customisation that many traditional schools aren’t able to match. It’s perhaps not surprising that 70% of students in one study agreed that online classes are a better method of learning compared to typical classroom settings.

In a large part, this is down to the focused virtual classroom environment, where students can engage with tailored content and receive individualised support from teachers. “Our school eliminates the noise and visual distractions of a typical classroom, creating a more comfortable learning environment,” Dr. Penny shares.

On top of this, AI and machine learning (ML) technologies are reshaping how personalised learning can be delivered, enabling tailored exercises to close learning gaps or consolidate learnings.

Immersive Technology

The integration of technologies like immersive virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) is also revolutionising online learning; 81% of students say that digital technology and online learning have helped them improve their grades.

Virtual and augmented technologies let students engage with educational content in ways that were previously unimaginable, from virtual field trips to interactive simulations. For a traditional bricks-and-mortar school, a school trip to Egypt likely seems far-fetched, but thanks to VR, it’s entirely possible to do this in an online environment.

With the aid of technology, schools can break down physical boundaries, giving students the rare opportunity to quickly jump into ancient Egypt (or any other place in the world — be it real or imagined!) so they can learn by seeing, collaborating, and interacting. Moreover, that knowledge sticks with them, with online learners retaining 25-60% more information than their peers.

A Connected Learning Community

Despite the physical separation inherent in online education, creating a sense of community remains a critical component of the learning experience. That’s why online classrooms include collaborative tools and social features that mimic the interaction found in traditional settings.

Students can participate in group projects, engage in online discussions with colleagues (or privately with their teachers), and attend virtual extracurricular activities, helping to build a sense of belonging and camaraderie in a digital environment.

“We have a House system within our Primary and Middle school year groups, which fosters a sense of community and belonging among our students. There are a lot of House competitions and events throughout the year, and we encourage every student to participate. This is a fantastic way for them to socialise,” Dr. Penny shares.

Likewise, online platforms allow for more regular communication between parents and teachers: a crucial puzzle piece in supporting student success and addressing challenges promptly.

Redefining Educational Access and Flexibility

Online education is also transforming access to education, breaking down barriers that have historically limited opportunities for many students. “I’m just so excited we can do school differently and reach so many more children,” Dr. Penny says.

Children in remote or underserved areas, for example, would ordinarily have to travel for hours or forgo a quality education. With online learning, they can learn and study from the comfort of their home or classroom.

Aside from geographic flexibility, online schools also offer time flexibility. 63% of students choose to study online because of the flexibility of virtual learning, enabling them to fit education around other personal commitments.

This accessibility of high-quality education can level the playing field and provide equal opportunities for students across the globe. “We offer a non-threatening environment — we can be the right fit for many reasons,” Penny shares.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Online Education

As we look towards the future, the potential of online education to continue evolving and improving is vast, with the global market growing at almost 10% per year. Schools like King’s InterHigh are at the forefront of innovation, using cutting-edge platforms and pedagogy to bring a high-quality education experience to each student, whether that’s a child with additional needs who requires personalised support or a sports star who needs flexibility to train and attend competitions. The greatest benefit of online education is that it can be for everyone — which is just how education should be.

About contributing author: Dr. Penny Alston

As Head of Key Stage 2 at King’s InterHigh, Dr. Penny Alston is committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment for students in Years 3 to 6, aged seven to 11. She brings with her over 30 years of experience teaching and leading schools around the world. To ensure students get the best primary school experience, she is constantly pursuing new growth and development opportunities, and has even recently earned her PhD in curriculum studies and school management.

Previously serving as Preparatory School Headmistress at Inspired school, Reddam House Umhlanga, she joined King’s InterHigh in 2021 because the school’s philosophy resonates deeply with her passion for whole child development. She particularly enjoys bringing innovative technologies and new ideas to the classroom to engage students and provide them with the best education.