Why Distance Education Suits Children Being Bullied
Many parents understand the heart-breaking experience of having a child who is being bullied. Watching your child go through bullying can be traumatic, leaving parents searching for solutions to help their child find relief from their circumstances.
Distance education may be the answer, offering a 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 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 self-paced 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.
Why Distance Education Benefits Children Who Have Experienced Bullying
Distance education offers children who have experienced bullying a safe and secure learning environment. Distance education eliminates physical contact between the student and their peers, so they do not have to worry about facing an uncomfortable situation in the school playground.
It also allows children to work through their issues at their own pace instead of being put into a stressful social situation. Distance education allows children to be surrounded by family and friends who can provide emotional support. Furthermore, distance education provides children with a sense of independence as they can work at their own pace and in the comfort of their own home.
In addition, distance education gives children the opportunity to build important skills such as:
- problem-solving
- critical thinking
- communication
- organisation
- time management.
Through this type of learning environment, students are given more freedom to structure their own day. This helps children develop a sense of self-efficacy, which can lead to increased academic achievement and help boost their self-esteem after having experienced bullying.
Overall, distance education is an excellent solution for children who have been bullied as it allows them to continue their education in a safe and secure environment while healing from the trauma experienced. It also offers them the opportunity to learn essential skills that can help build their confidence and ensure academic success.
How to Choose the Right Distance Education Program for a Child
When choosing a distance education program for a child, there are several factors to consider. First, parents should look into the quality of the curriculum and make sure that it is appropriate for their age level. Secondly, they should research the type of instruction offered by the program and whether or not it meets your specific needs.
It's also important to consider the cost of the program and whether or not it is within the parents’ budget. Additionally, parents should examine the resources available, such as technology, books, and other materials needed for distance education.
Finally, parents should communicate with their child about their preferences and interests to ensure that they are comfortable with the program before enrolling. With these tips in mind, you can find an appropriate distance education program for a child and help them continue their education in a safe and secure environment.
Jeremy Kwok grew up in Sydney before moving to the United States for tertiary studies. Jeremy completed the BA, MA (History), and MDiv degrees before returning to Australia with his wife Debbie to have two children. He works for the Australian Christian College Group developing online curriculum and is an Apple Distinguished Educator.