Independence is one aspect modern education has instilled in students. Throughout the years, HyFlex learning, the new mode of education that combines in-person and online classes, has taught students to do things independently.
Technology, in fact, now plays a pivotal role in student autonomy in such a way that it can either enhance their productivity or slow down their academic progress. Along this line, teachers, parents, and the school itself will step up to the plate and make changes as students continue to navigate through the vast highways of digital education.
AUTONOMY THROUGH TECHNOLOGY
The technology used in HyFlex learning appealed to most students, considering that they are used to navigating the internet through their tablets or Smartphones. Pair this with their ability to learn things quickly, and HyFlex can be seen as the perfect alternative for traditional learning since it covers all avenues of modern education: flexibility, ease of access, and the availability of resources. In addition to these, blended learning gave students the freedom of time. They are in charge of when, where, and how to go about their daily school activities.
Student autonomy blooms when young minds are provided with resources to help them excel. The Internet is a melting pot of information, and they access these with a simple tap, click, or swipe. From online libraries, video resources, academic databases, multimedia content, and many more, students have the ability to explore subjects and seek answers to questions that are not usually done in traditional classrooms. This alone empowers them to discover new and exciting interests, make new acquaintances, and fosters a more independent way of learning.
Most schools also offer personalized learning, especially for students who are living remotely and those who opted to go fully online. Learners can set their own goals, pace, and strategies on how to go about daily lessons and activities. This gives them a sense of ownership of their progress, an important component in creating student autonomy.
Students can likewise seek collaboration from others to aid in their learning experience. Online forums, virtual communities, and real-time interaction between their classmates promote belongingness and shared responsibility.
DEPENDENCE THROUGH TECHNOLOGY
On the other side, exposing students to some of the “dark side” of technology can hinder their development and may rely heavily on what is in front of them.
Taking in vast amounts of information from the Internet can be dangerous and overwhelming for most students. This is where parents and digital literacy come into the picture: Parents should monitor their children’s internet consumption, while digital literacy helps them filter their urge to stick to the norm and not overdo their allotted time.
Some materials used in blended learning are pre-recorded in such a way that students only need to press play, listen, and do whatever comes next. This lacks the much-needed interactive element that is commonly found in face-to-face classes, to the point that it may lead to passive learning where students end up as audience rather than active participants.
Online distractions can also deter autonomy among students. Social media, games, and even household chores can divert students’ attention from their studies. These can be difficult, especially if they can’t control their urges and prioritize the former from the latter.
