I “Prefer” Face-to-Face Learning – the Pros & Cons of Home-Based Learning

We are well into the third week of the COVID-19 “Circuit-Breaker” measures, and most of us are warming up to the role of technology, especially in our kid’s education. Home-based learning, for example, has been a consistent feature for your child, on top of the other e-learning sessions they may have for their enrichment classes. Despite this, there are still some parents who view e-learning with scepticism, especially for skills-based training, and understandably so.

We know that e-learning and the role of technology may not be something comfortable, especially in the context of your child’s education. Having gone through a successful month of online training for our public speaking/communication skills training, we understand that there are both advantages and disadvantages to both learning approaches. With COVID-19 more likely to be a long-term effect, being comfortable with online learning may no longer be a choice. But fret not! Let us share some of our insights on e-learning thus far for both you and your child’s benefit.

💡 Light Bulb #1:

More Theory, More Practice

The first difference between the virtual and physical classroom is the lesson plan and the time allocation. The lesson plan for skills-learning, in our training, should cover both theory and practice elements. In a physical classroom, the opportunity for practice and immediate evaluation is plentiful. For a skill such as public speaking, having the live audience also helps to give a sense of a “crowd” as your child presents.

That said, the shorter time allocation to the theory aspect means that your child has a shorter runway to internalise and understand the techniques covered. With the virtual classroom, the lesson plan is modified to offer more theory sharing in an engaging environment. The e-learning environment allows trainers to maximise the use of features such as polls, scenario-based discussions, or even video sharing. This ensures that your child has a longer runway to understand the techniques shared and apply them separately.

💡 Light Bulb #2:

React, Record, Review

The virtual classroom has, among its other technological features, the swift ability to record the sessions for your child’s review. This is particularly so given the virtual classroom’s focus on theory and technique sharing. Think of it as an online masterclass that your child can view live and then review as they apply the techniques covered. The online engagement features such as the online poll or annotation open up avenues for live reactions to be recorded as well.

The physical classroom is less open to a recording function, given the scale of the physical class and the fluidity of the lesson plan. For example, with our format of 30-70 (30% on theory and 70% on practice), the recording is limited to each child’s presentation and immediate evaluation. This, however, allows for each child’s practice session and evaluation to be recorded for their own review as well. If you still prefer the longevity of the techniques covered for your child to refresh their memory, an online webinar session may be the way forward.

💡 Light Bulb #3:

Set Yourself Up for the Future

A key part of skills-building, especially for a skill such as public speaking, is to learn how to apply the techniques covered in the modern context. For your child. It is not just about learning a skill for the present, it is to build them up for the future classroom, future workplace, and future world. The existing measures allow us and your child to explore future communication settings, such as online meetings or online speeches.

That’s not to say that the physical classroom is outdated. For example, in our public speaking syllabus for kids, we dedicate an entire month on new media communication. During this month, students learn the unique aspects of online communication settings, such as the appropriate body language for a How-To video or pitching themselves online. In short, whether it is the virtual or physical classroom, the aim is to ensure that your child is equipped with relevant and modern skills.

*This is the kind of quality training you/ your child can enjoy: Impromptu Speaking | How To Think, Speak & Talk Fast Yet Critically | #SpeakUP 005

Final Thought:

Enjoy Your Virtual Classroom!

Home-based learning is still a new environment for most of us as we learn to navigate a setting where face-to-face contact is rare. That does not immediately mean that communication settings no longer exist. In this context, public speaking/communication skills still remain important for your child as they learn how to make their content and delivery shine in the virtual classroom. If you have any interesting tales of your home-based learning experience with your child, feel free to share with us!

Both LIVE Training & ONLINE Training Available:

If you’re keen to take your public speaking & presentation skills (either business/corporate presentation or kids in-class presentation) to the next level so that you may public speak and present with flair and charisma, feel free to check out our offerings below!

For more about our Public Speaking Course for Kids / Children:

https://publicspeakingacademy.com.sg/group-classes-students-age-9-18/

For more about our Public Speaking Course for Adults :

https://publicspeakingacademy.com.sg/courses-and-programs/group-classes-for-adults/