As parents today, we all want what’s best for our children, especially when it comes to their education. With Online education becoming more popular, many of us are curious about how it compares to the usual in-person schools. You might think, “Can my child really learn important skills like communication skills through a screen?” It’s a valid question.
In this blog, I want to share how online schooling, while different, can actually help your child become a stronger communicator. And yes, we’ll look at it in a fun, practical way, with examples that fit into our everyday lives in India!
“But How Can My Kid Learn to Communicate Staring at a Screen?”
This is where things get interesting! When we think of online schooling or virtual learning, we often imagine kids glued to their screens, barely talking. But what if I told you online schooling can actually encourage more active participation and better communication skills?
Picture this: In a physical classroom, your child might hesitate to raise their hand, not wanting to sound silly in front of peers. But in virtual learning, there’s a chatbox, polls, breakout rooms, and private messages. These tools allow them to express themselves more freely, without the pressure of a whole class watching them. They can share ideas, ask questions, and even lead discussions, which might be harder in a crowded, real-world classroom.
The Great Indian WhatsApp Group
Imagine your family WhatsApp group—the chaos, the memes, the random forwards from your uncle—yes, that’s like a virtual learning class (minus the random forwards).
In online schooling, kids get to participate in structured discussions, send messages, debates, and solve problems in a more interactive way. They might be typing now, but that constant practice of formulating thoughts improves both written and verbal communication skills over time!
No More Silently Raising Hands
You know how in physical classes, kids sometimes wait endlessly just to get a chance to speak? Sometimes by the time they do, they’ve forgotten what they wanted to say!
In Online schooling, everyone has a voice. Whether it’s through speaking on a mic, typing in chat, or interacting in smaller groups, each child has a real chance to communicate.
Online learning features like “raise hand”, “react” et cetera features and group discussions mean your child won’t just be a passive listener—they’ll be an active participant. And when you practice speaking and writing every day, you improve communication skills as well. Simple as that!
Start a Fun Debate at Home
Want to help your child practice communicating? Start a fun debate at home! Ask them, “Who’s the best superhero, Shaktimaan or Spider-Man?” and watch them organize their thoughts, present their ideas, and maybe even (gasp!) convince you to change your mind! Encouraging these kinds of conversations at home complements what they’re learning through virtual learning.
Plus, it’s a win-win—you get family time and your child improves their communication skills.
Practice Video Call Rehearsals
Think of video calls in online schooling or virtual learning as mini-rehearsals for real-world presentations. Your child gets to practice speaking clearly, making eye contact (well, sort of), and presenting their ideas on camera. These are real-world skills that’ll help them whether they’re pitching a startup idea in the future or giving a speech at a family function.Practice on video call is a great way to build communication skills and confidence!
Preparing for Tomorrow’s Workplace
Let’s fast forward to the future for a second. In today’s world, many of us work in offices where meetings often happen through E-learning platforms. Whether it’s Zoom, or Google Meet…video calls are the new normal. But remember the first time you had to join a virtual meeting? It was awkward, right? We didn’t know where the mute button was, how to screen-share, or sometimes even how to join properly!
Now, imagine your child growing up in an environment where these tools are part of their daily life. E-learning or Online schooling is preparing them for this future workplace. By the time they enter the corporate world, they’ll be pros at using video call apps, managing breakout rooms, and sharing presentations online. These skills won’t just be useful for school—they’ll be essential when they start working.
Think about it: A child who’s confident on camera during online classes will be better prepared for job interviews, team collaborations, and presentations—all of which are increasingly happening online today. They’ll know how to communicate effectively across different platforms, making them ready for the digital world in which we live now!
Ishaan’s Journey in Taare Zameen Par
Let’s bring a bit of Hindi movies into this conversation. Remember Ishaan from Taare Zameen Par? He was a brilliant child with unique learning needs. The movie showed us that when a child is given the right environment to express themselves, their creativity and confidence skyrocket!
Online schooling, in some ways, offers that flexible environment. It allows kids to express their thoughts and creativity without the usual pressures they face in a physical setup. So, whether it’s through video calls, typing in chats, or creating presentations, your child learns to communicate confidently and clearly.
Tips to Help Your Child Improve Communication Skills in Online Schooling
Now that we’ve seen how online schooling can help, here are a few things you can do to support your child’s communication journey:
Encourage Participation:
Motivate your child to actively participate in online discussions. Remind them that every idea matters and there are no wrong answers when you’re learning!
Daily Check-Ins:
Instead of asking, “How was your day?” (which usually leads to “fine”), ask questions like “What did you discuss with your classmates?” or “Did you share any cool ideas in class today?”
Organize Fun Mock Presentations:
- Ask your child to explain what they learned in school today. It doesn’t have to be formal—get the whole family involved. Even if it’s just presenting to their younger sibling, the dog, or their favorite stuffed toy.
Set Up Virtual Playdates:
- Schedule virtual hangouts with their friends where they can discuss schoolwork or even just play games. Communication isn’t limited to the classroom—these virtual social interactions are just as important!
Role-Playing Games:
- Whether it’s pretending to be a teacher or an astronaut, role-playing games help your child express ideas in different contexts. It’s an excellent way for them to build verbal skills and have fun at the same time!
Why Does Communication Matters?
Living in a diverse country like India, we know that communication is key! Whether it’s bargaining with the sabziwala or explaining math problems to a friend, communication skills play a vital role in every aspect of life. And in today’s global world, the ability to communicate effectively online is a must-have skill.
Online schooling teaches not just to talk, but to talk, collaborate and articulate their ideas in a way that works on a global scale.
In conclusion, some people think online schooling isn’t for every child, but that’s not true! Every child can thrive in an online learning environment. There are always going to be parents who love the idea of physical setups, and that’s perfectly okay! The good part is, you don’t have to pick one over the other- sometimes it’s about blending both. While in-person learning has its unique benefits, online schooling can boost communication skills in ways that may surprise you!
So, don’t be afraid to give online schooling a shot. Your child could come out of it not only smarter but also a master of communication, ready to take on the world-whether they are giving school presentations, acing a job interview or leading an important Zoom call at their future workplace.
Now, let’s just hope they don’t mute themselves in the middle of an important argument!