What Are the Effects of Online Schooling on Student Engagement and Motivation?

Online schooling is a potentially convenient, advantageous way to receive an education. However, using a digital education platform can affect the engagement and motivation of students. This article will discuss the effects that online schooling can have on today’s bright scholars. 

Student Engagement and Online Schooling

Realistically, online school can affect the level and quality of student engagement. The following effects can occur:

1. Reduced Focus and Attention

When a student is sitting in front of a screen for an extended period of time, staying focused may prove to be a challenge. Without hands-on learning or the in-person contact of a classroom, it can be easier for a child’s attention to fall on anything but the class. 

2. Increased Apathy

A lack of interest in course material can increase feelings of apathy. A student can become tired of the same environment and want a variation in their day-to-day learning and assignments. With increased apathy comes less engagement and participation. 

However, there are several positive effects for a student receiving an education online. These are:

• Increased Support From Family Members

When a student has attentive parents and/or siblings, they can achieve uniquely positive outcomes. Helpful family members can assist the student in staying focused and feeling excited about their studies. 

• Increased Freedom to Adapt Their Learning Environment

Kids who have difficulty concentrating in an online environment have the freedom to use accommodations that they couldn’t use at school. For example, they can fidget with a toy or stress ball, snack while learning, or walk around while listening to lessons. 

Motivation and Online Schooling

A digital education platform may make it difficult for students to stay motivated to work. The following factors of online schooling can affect motivation in students: 

1. Reduced incentives

Students may not see much reward or incentive with school online. Some of these “rewards” that they would need are possibly in-person socialization and interaction, or fun indoor or outdoor activities with classmates.

2. Increased Distractions

A child may wonder why to stay motivated to learn when there are so many cool things to do at home, like fun toys or interesting video games. If students want to do something that appears more “interesting,” their desire and motivation to work may lessen. 

On the flip side, here are factors that increase motivation from online schooling:

1. The Comfort of Being Home

There are some scholars who struggle with anxiety or depression, which affects their schoolwork. Being home in a safe and comfortable place can make it easier for them not to freeze up, and to feel safe and stay motivated.

2. Control of Surroundings

This means that online students can choose which room of the house they want to work, or they can even go to somewhere like the library to learn. The control they have of their learning surroundings and working in a location they like can increase motivation. 

How to Help Students of Online Schooling

If it is a challenge for your scholar to learn digitally, there are several ways to encourage them to stay motivated and engaged while learning online. A few of these are: 

1. Remind Them of the “Why”

When your student lacks enthusiasm and simply does not want to go to a digital class, listen to their concerns and understand where they are coming from. Then, help them recognize how crucial an education is and how it will assist them through their life.  

2. Create Individualized Solutions

Every student is different, and each has unique learning differences and needs. Find a specialized solution that works for your student. 

3. Show Your Support

Reminding your scholar that you will help them and support them with their work can create a very positive impact on them. 

4. Give Positive Encouragement

Praise your child for the good work they are doing. Compliment them when they do well or even for just attending school when it’s difficult. 

Make friends with other online scholars. Having friends for your child who also do online school can be immensely helpful and let your students know they aren’t alone. 

Encourage them to go outside and take breaks during school. If at all possible, depending on the school schedule, encourage your student to go outside, walk around, and take breaks during online schooling. This will help them refocus and regroup. 

There are many effects that online schooling can have on the motivation and engagement of a student. A digital platform may affect a student’s focus and motivation. However, there are also positive aspects such as increased family support and the comfort and safety of being home. Regardless, there is an abundance of resources available to help you ensure that your scholar receives a well-rounded online education.