The COVID-19 lockdown influenced remote learning systems. Teachers and students adapted to government regulations by working from home. They used digital platforms to lecture, present and took exams remotely.
Individuals recognized the benefits of cyber schooling and created strictly digital schools. Teachers and professors may consider working for cyber schools to increase their productivity and support different learning styles. There are five benefits of remote schooling influencing professional career shifts.
What is a Cyber School?
Cyber school is an educational program, which students complete online. They take multiple accredited courses each semester using video lectures, digital worksheets and virtually monitored exams. Students can transfer their cyber school credits to brick-and-mortar colleges or other online schools.
Online school is different than homeschooling because educators design set curriculum and work directly with students online. Cyber schools are similar to public schools and are free. Teachers have digital office spaces where they meet with students and provide extra help.
Educators also hold regular virtual classes using video conferencing programs. Some teachers spend designated hours each day tending to live messages to help students with assignments. Many teachers prefer working for cyber schools because they offer scheduling and curriculum freedom.
1. Higher Work Productivity Rates
One significant reason educators prefer working for cyber schools is their influence on productivity. Researchers found students and teachers are at least 4.8% more productive when working remotely. Different scheduling and design aspects influence higher productivity rates.
Teachers have shorter workdays at cyber schools because they do not commute. They may use the extra hours in their days to prepare for work. Some individuals take the time to meditate, journal and practice other forms of mindfulness.
Mindfulness can minimize distractions throughout the day by keeping thoughts in the present moment. Teachers also have the freedom to design their own curriculum, which increases their focus. They can create engaging lessons to increase their productivity throughout the school year.
2. Healthier Dietary Opportunities
Another reason educators consider working for cyber schools is their positive influence on mental and physical health. Teachers can adopt healthier diets when working from home by meal prepping and frequently cooking. Researchers found individuals consume fewer carbohydrates, fats and sugars at home than eating out.
Improving individuals’ diets can lower their risk of developing health conditions. Well-balanced diets increase your immunity, strengthen your bones, reduce your risk of cancer and support your mental health. Individuals can also support their mental health by consuming the necessary vitamins and nutrients each day.
3. Eliminate Commute Stress
Eliminating workday commuting also supports individuals’ health and well-being. Professionals found commuting increases stress levels in the human body, mind and personal relationships. Long-term stress adversely affects individuals’ bodies.
Employees may experience headaches, elevated blood pressure, asthma, arthritis, heart disease and diabetes when regularly commuting to work. They can also experience depression, anxiety and other mental health effects during commutes. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) assessed the adverse effects of stress and identified the workplace as a health hazard.
Up to 90% of medical visits in America relate to stress. The country pays nearly $300 billion each year responding to stress-related ailments and complaints. Educators can significantly reduce their stress levels by working for cyber schools.
4. Accessible to Disabled Teachers
Another reason teachers are joining cyber schools is due to their accessibility. Educators with disabilities may have difficulty community, teaching and moving throughout school buildings. Cyber schools have few physical demands, which increases their compatibility with physical disabilities.
Teaching for cyber high schools requires the least amount of physical activity. High school students spend between 80% and 90% of their school days online. Educators can remain in a seated position throughout their teaching days.
5. Personalize Students’ Curriculum
Some educators also prefer working for cyber schools because of their student reach. Cyber schooling is more personalized than class-wide lecturing. Teachers can design different curriculum for students with unique learning styles.
There are four key learning styles, which educators can cater to. The learning styles are visual, kinesthetic, auditory and writing. Teachers may create four different curriculum options catering to each student.
Constructing kinesthetic curriculum online may be challenging for remote teachers. Kinesthetic learners typically need hands-on experiences to learn. Educators may create material packages to send to each kinesthetic learner in their class.
The packages may contain blocks, cell building kits, chemistry sets and other physical items. Students may use their materials throughout their lessons to deepen their understanding of the content.
Challenges and Obstacles
Cyber schools also present some challenges and obstacles for teachers. Some educators struggle with time management and get distracted at home. Teachers may get caught up with side projects without a set schedule or supervisors.
Other individuals struggle to create an effective curriculum without regular face-to-face communication. They may have trouble supporting their students through direct messages and video conferences. Teachers can also have difficulty monitoring their students’ behavior from afar, which causes them to fall behind.
Transitioning to a Cyber School
Teachers may experience smooth transitions from in-person to cyber schools by accessing the necessary resources. They can set themselves up for success by investing in time management and productivity tracking software. Educators may also improve their digital teaching abilities by purchasing new video cameras, presentation building software, microphones and speakers.
