THE future is digital! Having gained more attention during the Covid-19 pandemic, online learning for primary and high school education is proving to be the preferred mode of schooling for parents. Previously reserved for tertiary education through correspondence, basic education learners are also reaping the rewards. Learners are acquiring digital expertise from an early age.

Glenwood mother and son duo, Thobeka and Siyamthanda Mnguni (17), fully embraced the idea of online learning since 2022, and are enthused by the results of their chosen path. Siyamthanda started online schooling when he was in Grade 9, at the University of Cape Town’s Online High School. He is currently in Grade 12, and he’s pleased with the journey so far.

Although online learning is lauded for its efficiency as a result of privacy and comfort for the child, Thobeka recalls the earlier days when she was filled with doubt and struggled to manoeuvre the system.

Also read: Cottage schooling system a popular choice

“We are so grateful for the ‘middle-man’ support we received from their coach.  He is a link between learners, parents and educators, making the whole process of learning bearable. The coach also assists learners in case of emotional and domestic challenges which may affect their performance. The aim is to ensure that the learner is supported academically and otherwise. This kind of support gradually put me at ease,” shared Thobeka.

She added that there was always a clear path of communication to assess and monitor progress and difficulties, and guidance is always at hand.

“There’s too much pressure in traditional schools; a child needs to be a so-called cool kid in order to fit in and he can feel out-of-place if he is not catching on fast like other children and may resort to solitude. Traditional method was not working for him. He was shy to ask questions in class in front of other kids. He didn’t agree with the concept of being expected to grasp different subjects in one day when teachers only focus on one subject. There’s no flexibility on when to take breaks and study at a pace that works for him,” Thobeka added.

Also read: Homeschooling momentum gains upward traction

She continued, “⁠I would recommend online schooling because it teaches children self-discipline, time management and computer literacy. There’s flexibility if your child is active in sports or other extra mural activities. You save on transport costs, uniform and lunch groceries. School fees are also way more affordable. There’s less external influences and bullying. The child has options on how they manage their time and when to take breaks. From an early age they can manage Google calendars, managing emails, IT scheduling and all these expertise have set set a solid foundation for his future at tertiary or workplace.”

She highlighted on the minimal downside of this mode of learning. “If a child is an introvert, he or she might be antisocial since he will be spending most of his time alone. Another downside might be when the child doesn’t know how to interact with other people in the real world. Also the nightmare of load-shedding, which may interfere with his studying schedules.”

Siyamthanda’s subjects are Business Studies, English, History, Information Technology, IsiZulu, Life Orientation and Mathematics Literacy.

The schools offering online education must be registered with South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI) as well as Umalusi.

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