How The EU is Turning to Online Learning: Cambridge Students Go Virtual
With the world pausing in 2020, the pandemic publicized online learning as an alternative to in-person schooling. Despite many schools’ immediate struggle with the virtual transition, online learning has now become a rapidly developed and newly effective way of experiencing education worldwide.
In Europe, online learning may become the new norm. The education boards determined that virtual schooling may be an equally effective, if not more, advantageous teaching method, not only for the students, but also for the schools.
The blog post titled, “The Cambridge Learners Who Choose To Learn Online,” released by the renowned educational institution, Cambridge Education, author Matt James discusses the school’s own metamorphosis into the world of virtual education. James writes: “Some physical schools have been inspired by the growing numbers of fully online schools entering the education landscape, who offer a different kind of education for students working remotely. These schools can reach more learners and cater to specific needs more effectively.” He then declares that Cambridge International will now accept registrations from schools that want to work with them exclusively online. Meaning students can now choose to register for online courses, and remarkably, many are.
The mass acceptance and current popularity of remote learning could be quite confounding, given its chaotic on-boarding experience during the beginning of the pandemic. But it still seemed that students were desperate to return to their classrooms.
So why is Cambridge International, along with many other schools in the EU (and globally), still offering virtual education? Furthermore, why would a student choose to study remotely?
James explains in his blog that for many schools like Cambridge International, offering virtual schooling would be especially rewarding. He lists the following advantages:
- Students should be free to experience remote schooling to avoid any disruption for those who travel due to parent’s jobs, lifestyles, life opportunities, etc. However, they must be able to attend Cambridge’s venues for examinations.
- Learning would be more tailored to the student’s needs. For example, class sizes are smaller, allowing teachers to better focus on each student’s particular needs and learning style.
- Students may learn from an environment where they feel particularly safe or focused. Without this option, they could easily be distracted or feel uncomfortable in a large classroom setting with other students. Giving them the option to be where they best learn sets them up for a higher chance of success.
- Students will have better ownership of their schedule and their learning pace, which ultimately allots more time for extracurriculars, relaxation, and life experiences.
- Students globally can study at Cambridge International, providing a world of new and diverse learners!
- Students can access a wider curriculum that provides more expansive subjects and courses that are most likely not available at their local school.
More schools, like Cambridge International, are adopting a philosophy similar to that of Novel Education Group, with an emphasis on catering to the individual learner and their lifestyle needs. As we have done for over 8 years, schools strive to provide an online education option that is successful, accessible, and effective for the individual student. And though a majority of Cambridge and global students are still physically in school, online schooling may one day become the new norm.
