“If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.” Estrada Ignacio
Nowadays, there is a need for flexible learning, and academic institutions are attempting to meet this demand by providing the option to study online or in a hybrid format. The flexibility of online learning allows students all around the world to have access to education without regard to geography, time, or quality.
This leads us to the important question: what is flexible learning and what is its significance?
Flexible learning is a type of learning in which students have control over how, what, when, and where they study. Flexible learning environments cover the utilization of physical space; the grouping of students during learning; and the use of time during the teaching process. Students may be provided designated breakout spaces to work together if there is enough space. Traditional timetables may be restructured in schools to provide pupils with time for cooperation and other activities such as guest lecturers or performances to help them comprehend a topic.
Flexible learning is the capacity to modify one’s speed, location, and manner of learning. Students may, for example, join accelerated programmes or participate in part-time schooling to guarantee they have time to work on the side. Learning can occur in a number of situations, such as the classroom, at home through the Internet, while commuting, or as part of a work-study programme. The mode of delivery of knowledge through technology is referred to as blended learning, completely online courses, or technology-enhanced experiences.
The three most important aspects of flexible online learning are pace, location, and modality.
Characteristics of Flexible Learning
Learning flexibility does not imply “anything.” It also necessitates some forethought and boundaries.
Balance
The essential feature of flexible learning is balance. This balance between school and life is critical, and it is what today’s society requires.
Accessibility
Accessibility allows students to go back and revisit the course whenever they need to, as well as have unrestricted access to resources that help them better understand and fill in the gaps.
Personalization
A personalized learning path is possible in a flexible learning environment. It suggests that “the school modifies the use of resources such as personnel, space, and time to best promote customization” in addition to giving them the option of picking their courses.
How can flexible learning help students?
- Students have complete control and accountability for their learning through flexible learning. Rather than being required to attend a class, people can choose and allot time for their studies.
- This control allows them to plan their education around their responsibilities and guarantees that they are studying at the most appropriate moment. Some students, for example, may work better in the evening, but traditional schooling may limit them by only giving lessons throughout the day.
- Flexible learning allows students to choose when and how they will study by personalizing their course to meet their own needs. As a result, they retain more knowledge and produce better results.
- Students also have the advantage of being able to learn at their own pace, which may help relieve a lot of stress. Teachers frequently rush through ideas before launching into a task that students must perform. This might put pressure on personnel to accomplish the assignment fast while leaving little room for pupils to ask questions.
- If a student does not understand a concept or idea that the instructor has communicated, they will be unable to accomplish the assignment to the best of their abilities, hampered by their own learning.
- Because of the flexibility of online learning, students may gradually absorb subjects and ensure full comprehension before going further. Again, this leads to improved marks.
Importance of Flexible learning
People mostly choose online learning because of the freedom it provides. As technology advances, online learning may provide experiences comparable to those of in-person classrooms. It can do this through the use of gamification and virtual and augmented reality. They will all contribute to a deeper learning experience that will give students the same experience as classroom learning. While online learning is becoming more popular, making it more flexible is a benefit.
What does “online learning flexibility” imply?
It mostly relates to the fact that you may study the course contents whenever you choose. However, this does not imply a lack of organization, direction, or support. Flexible online learning also provides flexible assistance from instructors and mentors who guide you through the course.
The focus of education has switched from the instructor’s teaching to the student’s learning as a result of flexible learning. Previously, students were expected to just listen in class and then remember the material for a final exam.
Flexible learning, on the other hand, is driving institutions to reconsider how students are taught and if this traditional approach to teaching is ultimately useful. Every kid has a unique learning style, and standard schooling can not accommodate them all. As a result, institutions can assess the overall impact and outcome of altering teaching approaches and how students are presented with information.
As a result, because flexibility has such a large influence on how children learn, its allure has total legitimacy. Giving people the choice of how they learn is critical to their success.
