Virtual & Live Camps

The COVID19 pandemic has changed education forever.

• The pandemic has shut the schools shifting their classrooms online.
• The education has changed dramatically, whereby teachers are now undertaking classes remotely using digital platforms
• Research survey suggests that online education learning has shown a rise, meaning the changes that COVID19 have caused is here to stay for long

Even before COVID19, there has been a steady growth in adopting online learning. The easy access to the “Information and Communication Technology” has facilitated access to the various platforms and areas of online studies. Whether it is virtual tutoring, taking the class through “Zoom”, using video conferencing tools there has been a significant surge in adopting online educational technologies. 

You no longer must physically present in the class to learn. The environment of online education is different from the traditional classroom setup but that does not mean it is less effective.

No doubt, traditional classroom learning will always remain an effective and preferred choice but with the changing scenarios today, universities and schools worldwide are offering course programs so that students and professionals can still earn their degrees, get their certification – perhaps the best way to keep the career on track. 

Online education has its share of challenges both for students and teachers but willingness and adaptability to experiment can go a long way toward meeting them. 

One should realize that online education might not be a feasible choice and may not work for everyone. Below we have listed what are the advantages and disadvantages of online education and understanding them will help you figure out if online learning is suitable or not.

Advantages of online education:

It provides flexibility

For many of us, the primary benefit of online education is about having flexibility. Some course programs are flexible if students want to accelerate the course and finish it ahead of time. Additionally, it makes it easier to fit learning into your day especially if you are a student and doing a job. Because the student does not require classes at a specific time, it gives you total freedom to acquire a degree at your own pace.

It is easier to focus

The studies have shown that studying in a noisy and loud environment makes it difficult to concentrate. Online classes are easier to focus, by sitting in a comfortable environment wearing headphones you are less distracted. Your entire interaction happens online which means you will not wander off the topic.

Easy access to the teachers

In an online class, you get direct access to the teachers for answering your queries. This makes it easier and quicker to get your questions resolved rather than just waiting for your turn to come which happens in a traditional classroom setting.

100% attendance

You no longer have to worry about attending your class irrespective it is heavy rainfall, snowing, or lockdown. When you take classes online, not only are you saving your time but attending it digitally is way easier in letting you have 100% attendance. Additionally, it gives you the flexibility to get your work done in case something comes up.

Low costs

Studying online means that you only will be paying online application fees and your tuition fees which is way less than what you pay for your on-campus degree. Moreover, colleges offering online programs are now proposing merit-based scholarships which overall makes a huge difference to your course program fees. Students also save time and money by eliminating a commute.

Disadvantages of online education:

Lack of practice-based learning

There are specific courses that require several practical sessions such as studying medicine, surgeries, getting practical knowledge learning in a construction field. Such experiences online programs are not able to offer.

Requires self-discipline and time management skills

Self-discipline and time management are always crucial when it comes to online learning. It involves less guidance from an instructor compared to traditional classroom learning.

Diminishes social interaction

Ideally in a traditional classroom, there is interaction happening between other students and teachers. Also, some course programs require doing group activities, these moments do not arise in an online class. It is important to have social interaction between peers and teachers to bring liveliness to boring lectures.

Not suitable for every kind of learnings

For example, learning how to fly an airplane or how to dispose of chemicals under a specific environment needs practical learning. Operative techniques that have complex topics require the physical environment to learn and get practical knowledge. Think, is it safe where you think you will board a plane where the pilot only has theoretical knowledge and never flown a plane?

Stressful for those who are not disciplined

Online education learning is not for the lazy type. If you are never punctual and love postponing your sessions, online classes are a waste of money. Especially in professional courses, there are no tutors to give you a follow-up or make-up session.

 It requires good grasping of the tech skills

Learning from an online class running on Zoom and Skype kind of app requires you to understand about online technology. It is not only about knowing how to start the computer and getting to the online class. You need to know how to navigate the screen. This is very easy for people who have good technical understanding, they can figure out how to maneuver around a video, do online assignments or interact using that platform

If Internet connectivity is a huge problem

When there is a problem with your internet, taking an online class will be a hassle. You will need a decent speed internet connection to run those applications.

After all the students have to analyze both what are the advantages and disadvantages of online education. Their decision greatly contributes to the direction of his/her career path. Students have to decide how they are going to accomplish their goals whether it is online, in the classroom, or a combination of both.

What does it take to become a successful online student?

If you want to know how to study online from home, you only have to carry out a few searches over the Internet. Whether you are a student studying in a school or obtaining a professional degree from a university or any other institute all you need is an internet connection, a computer/laptop, and a desire to study online.

Online education is increasing demand. The pace of our daily lives has made it possible to earn a degree without sacrificing our work.  With less time on hand, online course programs have made it possible to study in the most affordable ways.

Now that you have known what are the advantages and disadvantages of online education, the primary thing is to establish a schedule to successfully carry the online education. Having the necessary resources in hand, all you need is to put determination.

FAQs

1.   How much time does the student spend in one class every week?

The time students spend on an online class can vary. No two teachers will have the same teaching format and class schedule. Depending on the course program/school time-table the classes will vary.

2.   How is the study material available online?

Once a student gets the username – password, they are able to access the online classrooms, the study material is uploaded, assignments, video links related to the chapter/topics, etc.

3.   How to interact with the teachers online?

Teachers are accessible and responsive to the students. Students and teachers ideally communicate primarily through the website or connect through Zoom, Skype, etc.

4.   Are the tests available online?

Yes. Teachers do assign tests depending on the course curriculum which can be weekly or unit test or quarterly. Students are supposed to give the test ensuring they will not copy or share their exam, and that the person taking the test is the person itself registered as the student will take the test. Tests may be timed, and do not typically allow for open-book responses.

5. Are online classes self-paced or scheduled?

Well, if you are in school/college the online classes will be scheduled. There will be a set time-table for every class. And for those who are earning specific certification, they are mostly self-paced.

6. What if there is a technology difficulty?

Ideally, the educational institute provides the technical support which is available till the classes are cleared for the day. You can easily contact them for any technology struggle.

Online education is totally worth the effort – Closing Thoughts

We just explored what are the advantages and disadvantages of online education. For some students are comfortable with traditional teaching sessions, while others may prefer online educational training. Online education is no doubt a game-changer in today’s scenario but, it also depends on the individual’s choice. It is nowadays easy to earn certification, as online education offers complete flexibility in terms of time and cost.

The concept of education has been drastically changing across the globe since the advent of breakthrough technologies. We are entering into a new era of education that completely revolves around the Internet and computer devices without any requirement to be physically present in the traditional classrooms. This is what we term as online education that enables users to acquire knowledge anywhere and anytime as long as we have the requisite resources. Is online learning the future of education?

What are the different types of online learning?

There are different kinds of online learning models based on the type of platform, mode of teaching, and types of resources used.  All these types are well featured and suite the varied requirements of learners. Given below are the 3 commonly used types of online learning:

1. Synchronous Online Learning:

The live online learning sessions are termed as synchronous online learning. In this, virtual classes/conferences/webinars are held where there is an instant interaction between the students and the teacher.

This type of teaching method ensures better learning of the subject as students can clarify their doubts and share their feedback right away. A sense of discipline is maintained, as they are held at fixed times.

One of the biggest disadvantages of synchronous learning is that it becomes inconvenient for students residing in different time zones. Further, if there is a power cut or Internet failure, the student would end up missing the entire class.

2. Asynchronous Online Learning:

As opposed to the synchronous learning method, this type of learning does not take place as live sessions. This instead depends on recorded videos and other forms of online study material. The student gets to study the same and appear for an online exam within a flexible time frame.

While it offers flexibility, a sense of discipline is less. Also, due to a lack of direct communication between teachers and students, learning might not be up to the mark.  No personal interaction between teachers and students often leads to a lack of encouragement in learning.

3. Blended Online Learning:

This is a combination of traditional learning and online learning. There will be regular up close and personal interactions between teachers and students combined with online, learning online through messaging, tests, quizzes, and more.

These types of learning modes speed up the learning process at the same time providing flexibility to both students and teachers to manage their time well. The cost of such a technique is a little on the higher side.

Why the demand for online learning is on the rise?

The demand for online education has constantly been on the rise since the last couple of years. However, due to the unavailability of resources at remotest areas, it was not fully accepted at many places across the globe.  The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and worldwide lockdown compelled educational institutions as well as professional bodies to resort to online learning methods.

With every school, college, and institution compulsorily switching to online educational tools, a question that often lingers in the minds of many is “Is online learning the future of education”?

There is no definite answer to this question. However, given the promising advantages and features of online learning, it will be right to say that online learning is surely becoming the future of education gradually replacing the traditional classroom teaching method.

What are the advantages of online learning?

1. Flexibility:

Online learning provides flexibility in terms of time and place. You can learn anything sitting at your home or office or anywhere without having to commute daily for your classes.

This way, both students and teachers can have better management of their time. For working professionals, it helps in continuing their studies and maintaining a proper work-study balance.

2. Cost-effective:

Online courses are priced lower than offline university courses as not many resources are used like textbooks, accommodation, equipment, etc. The student is only paying for the teacher’s time, experience, and online resources. More students can enroll in the courses as the cost is considerably reduced.

3. No limit on enrolment

Traditional courses set a limit on the number of enrolments due to a lack of availability of unlimited resources. But with online learning, this is not an issue. As they mainly depend on recorded videos, live online videos, online test series, any number of students can attend the same at the same time.

4. Better student-teacher interaction:

It promotes better student-teacher interaction than traditional learning. Teachers can put a cap on the number of students as per their discretion and focus more on individual students to ensure adequate attention.

 5. Customized learning experience:

There are various online teaching resources like eBooks, videos, graphics, photos, etc that provide a customized experience to the learners and make it more fun to even learn a boring subject. Students who are not very fond of textbooks can learn a lot through these methods.

6. No disruptions:

As long as you have an uninterrupted internet connection and power connection, online learning faces no disruptions. Even during times like Covid-19 when the entire nation went into a lockdown mode, students continued with their education through online learning methods and still doing.

Does online learning have any limitations?

Everything comes with pros and cons. Online learning has its share of disadvantages. Given below are of the biggest disadvantages of online education:

1. Social isolation:

As there is a lack of face-to-face interaction amongst teachers and students, it leads to social isolation. Social isolation is a breeding ground for mental illnesses, anxieties, and loneliness.

Humans are social beings, which depend on interpersonal relationships for leading a happy life.

2. Higher chances of cheating:

Students have various modes of cheating while appearing in online examinations. Without a proper identity verification system, they can even let third parties take exams on their behalf. Hence, the integrity of the examination is compromised to a great level.

3. Not convenient for subjects demanding practical experience:

For subjects requiring practical knowledge, online learning does not deliver the required expertise. No matter how much you learn theoretically, practical experience is a must for gaining expertise in certain fields such as medical, research, science, vocations, etc.

4. Kids get over exposed to technologies:

Children are getting exposed to technologies at an early age for online learning to become habituated with the same. They are easy targets of online children abusers and prohibited content.

5. Lack of discipline:

Since online learning provides the flexibility of time and place to students, it results in a lack of discipline. There is no fixed schedule for studying. This is often misused by students and taken for granted.

6. Health issues:

Excess dependence on technologies has negative impacts on our health. Diseases like obesity, spondylitis, eye diseases, headaches are on the rise among people.

However, most institutions resorting to online teaching are trying their best to have appropriate systems in place to maintain the quality of education. In the years to come, we can expect to see a tremendous transformation in the online learning sector.

FAQs

What technical skills are required for online learning?

Institutions providing online courses clearly specify the required technical skills in their curriculum. Though most institutions try to make their online learning platform as intuitive as they can, there are some basic computer skills, which are a must for online learning. One needs to have the knowledge of using a keyboard, mouse, running computer programs, internet, word processing programs, email, and other collaborative tools.

What kind of online materials are used?

Online materials can be in various forms like images, pdf files, videos, GIFs, blogs, and many more.

How do teachers and students connect?

There are various online learning platforms in the market in the form of websites or mobile applications that are specially designed for teaching purposes. They are designed in a way that teachers can use them to create surveys, questionnaires, hold lectures, and more.

Are online learning courses expensive?

The cost of online learning courses varies from course to course as well as from institute to institute. However, comparatively, the cost is lower than in conventional courses. Although there is an initial investment of computer devices and internet connection.

Summer is a crucial time for kids and so do for parents.  On approaching summer, most of the parents usually line up activities for kids to make them busy. Especially, for working parents, this is a good opportunity to ensure their work schedule and their kids are in proper sync.

Witnessing a lot of inquiries for summer camps, this article has got all the good reasons to pen down all about summer camps in detail and will talk about specific summer camps here – Especially Robotics summer camps.

Why Summer Camps Are Important?

Young minds have so much curiosity. Summer is the right time to channelize that energy in the right direction hence a robotic summer camp can be a good choice for your kid. Hundreds and thousands of kids every year attend STEM camps and Robotic summer camps and their parents have witnessed tremendous development and growth. These camps are specifically designed that offer an opportunity for your kids to grow into independent and brilliant thinkers. The usual routine of your kids includes school and extracurriculars with minimal activities and the burden of education doesn’t allow them to explore their potentials at their best.

Robotic camps for kids teach them to communicate using the language of science which is crucial in today’s education. The camps focus on various STEM level concepts along with encouraging social skills. Children will have fun during this time while learning science and AI concepts alongside STEM-based knowledge which will hugely benefit in their career ahead.

How Robotic Summer Camp will Benefit Your Kid

Robotic camps / STEM camps are ideal for 7 -11-year-old children. By this time your kids are able to know and grasp the science and mathematical concepts completely. Also, this is the right time to let curiosity in the right direction. 

Your children will develop early science and problem-solving skills. Robotic summer camps will let your kids teach the right way to problem-solving which is a requirement for STEM-related careers. Especially when the kids are given the opportunity to explore this at an early age, they will be always a step ahead in their academics. By the time they are in high school, they will have a good science-oriented fundamental foundation and have a better understanding of various scientific methods and practices. These problem-solving skills will aid them in every aspect of their lives.

On a Robotics summer camp, campers will involve your children in:

• Building early problem solving and science skills.
• Fun to explore everyday science lessons with concepts that stimulate different parts of the brain. This will help your kids to discover how to work in a team and do brainstorm together.
• It teaches them scientific and technological verticals that schools do not explore deep.
• Your kids will learn new ways of experimenting with concepts of robotics
• Early exposure to robotics will pay off as they grow. Also, robotic camp trainers will be involving your kids in projects so that they can continue to build, create, and test robots even at home to make them evolve along with their curiosity.
• Furthermore, kids will build their social skills along with learning robotic concepts at camp.
• Children will be working together on robotic experiments which not only helps in expanding their horizons but creating and seeing them work in action is a priceless experience.
• Parents of the shy kids usually witness their kids being open with their peers discussing and talking about science.

So, now that you know how beneficial it will be for your kids to join a robotics camp. Here are a few things to know before sending your children to robotic summer camps:

Expanding Horizons – Things To Know Before You Send In Your Kids

It brings Science out of the classrooms

Robotics summer camps foster a love for science, math, and technology. The lessons and the concepts taught here are different from what your kids learn at school. The way of making them learn and bringing awareness towards the concept, etc. Most importantly, there is no testing/assessment . Your child feels less pressured and burdening. This helps them to tap into their natural desire to learn robotics. Not just robotics, but video game development, to engineering STEM subjects your child is able to see and experience a different world of science and its impacts. Instead of reading, let your children meet their peers and experience the fun way of learning robotics.

It makes learning science a fun

Some kids are born enthusiastic when it comes to absorbing scientific concepts. Since they are curious they automatically gravitate towards technology and science.

Robotics summer camps are focused on engineering and technology concepts for which science is the foundation. Having enrolled in one of these camps will remove the hesitation and fear factor that a typical classroom has.

By working in groups, your kids will relieve from their pressure. It is a fun to learn science in such an environment where there is no peer pressure or awkward moments of giving wrong answers.

Your child does not have to enter a STEM/Robotic career

Your kid’s interest in joining a robotic summer camp could be just out of curiosity or just to have some fun with friends. Children who sign up for robotic camps do not have to compulsorily become programmers. However, the training they get for the camp cannot be overlooked. It plays a vital role in molding them as self-made individuals.

Kids who have been going to Robotic summer camps are the ones who have developed 21st-century skills that will eventually help them to thrive.

Introduction to programming

Some children are fascinated by engineering and science and love taking risks. When your kid is little, you have done your best by introducing them to various facets of life at an early age. Programming is a complex and much intricate field of choice that if preferred by your kid, needs to be introduced at the right age. This will help them to form a correct foundation.

Once your kid enrolls in robotic camps, they get to know and experiment with various concepts of programming, engineering, and science. There will be a lot of fun with so many group activities with other kids. This way they don’t even realize that they are engaging themselves in programming and who knows they may become great computer programmers.

An opportunity to get out of their comfort zone

By spending a part of their summer in unfamiliar surroundings, your kids become confident at an early age. Besides, this is a perfect opportunity to break the ice – to make new friends especially if they are introverts since robotic activities involve teamwork.

Academically they are wiser

A single visit to a robotic summer camp can induce a good dose of STEM subjects making them wiser academically. Today most of the educators are putting emphasis on attending such camps as it helps kids to focus on their creative scientific imagination incorporating newer ways to learn technology.

Not all schools have been equipped well to carry on robotic classes. Hence, attending a robotic camp will not let your child feel left out. The camps will provide them ample opportunities to explore scientific elements using creative ways to make their project.

Robotic camps will boost confidence

You may feel that how come a camp attended for a short duration can help. But teachers have witnessed a positive side of this, kids who have attended STEM/Robotic camps come back with confidence which helps them stay ahead throughout the year in the school.

This allows kids who struggled in math and science subjects during the school year to catch up by compensating. Few hours daily at camp will help them to stay on top of math and science skills.

Spending a few weeks at the camp will teach them about technology, science, and much more than a typical classroom. Thus, helping your children succeed academically boosting their confidence from the knowledge they have gained.

The camp is beneficial of all abilities and ages

Most of the parents are only interested in enrolling their kids in the robotic camp once they are at a certain age. Typically speaking around 8 or 9, well it is a myth. If your kid is showing interest in science concepts at an early age, robotics camps are there to welcome them and explore upon their interest.

Also, There are robotic summer camps that appreciate kids with disabilities signing up for the camp. Robotic camps benefit all kids irrespective of their ages, learning levels, and kids with a disability – it is just enthusiasm which matters.

Girls too can attend robotic camps

It is a myth that girls rate their abilities markedly lower than boys. If your daughter is interested in technology, science, and math concepts, robotics camps can be hugely beneficial in piquing interest. By building your daughters’ confidence early through STEM and Robotic camp programs parents can help them pursue their passion for science and math career.

It helps them to have clarity about their career ahead

Today prestigious careers require having math and scientific knowledge and skills. Introducing science and engineering concepts at an early will give these young minds an added advantage.

Even though for a brief period, having hands-on experience with engineering-related activities will enhance with crucial knowledge. As a result, your child will have better clarity when it comes to choosing careers. Robotic summer camps are not any summer camps but also career exploring drills.

The age is just a number – Camp for PreK kids

It is never too early to encourage engineering curiosity in your kids. There are camps that take in young kids like PreK kids however they are mostly accompanied by their parents. If you are thinking to have fun along equipped with some learning this is the best way to indulge your kids.

The PreK kids will get to know what school will feel like and help develop their social skills. Your kids are easy in adopting the new school environment. It is less intimidating for them to adjust to school.

The camp helps find them inspiration

The idea of letting your kids join robotic summer camp is to let them know that math and science subjects are interesting. These subjects play a vital role in simplifying our daily lives. This way your kids will get inspired and excited to learn and grow from their learning experiences.

Some good Career Options can unfold with their Robotics Journey

Kids at the robotic summer camps learn to code, basic level programming, motor controls, touch sensor, and other relevant engineering concepts.

On a higher-level side, campers learn to custom design the robots, program the line-follower robot, and the sounds. This is an advanced level where your kids are taught in-depth concepts of programming, moving motors drills, etc.

Depending on their interest in robotic engineering they can choose to become:

Robotics Engineer

It mostly focuses on building a customized robot that moves, plays the sound, and act upon sensors.

Robotics Programmer

The field is all about programming the robot. Building a versatile robot that can function accordingly.

Visual Programmer

Blends visual robot design concepts with strong programming skills.

Robot Designer

This field specifically focusing on designing part. They are pro-people who loves creativity and put out that while designing robots.

Display Designer

How a robot interacts with the people, how it takes up the order, and function is all about display designer.  It more of an AI concept which your kid will be pursuing.

Audio Engineer

It lets the robot dance, sing, talk to the people.

Final Thoughts

 The fields of robotics are here to stay. They are becoming every day of our lives. Enrolling your children into robotic summer camp is a great way of laying a strong career foundation for the future.

 Robotics is an ever-evolving field that will be never extinct. The world of robotics is amazing, exciting, and fascinating. Having your child in such STEM or Robotic camp programs can open a lot of opportunities. The camps have highly qualified trainers who have extensive experience in science, technology, and robotics.

 Connect with them to educate, engage, and empower your child into becoming tomorrow’s innovative change maker. Sign up today. For more details visit our website.