Creativity is a valuable skill to develop during the early stages of a child’s life. In times of numerous technological advancements, having a sense of rootedness in the creative spheres of life can foster children’s comprehensive development. Also, the proper stimulation of a child’s imaginative strength can diversify their knowledge pool. However, a cross-section of educationists can have a restraining on a child’s creative capacity.
How remote learning is restricting kids’ creative outflow
Recognizing the importance of creativity in education is essential for the cognitive, emotional, and personal well-being of a child. Online learning reduces the possibility of contact with the physical world, thereby, curbing the imaginative spark generated in a classroom environment. Here is how virtual learning can have a detrimental impact on a child’s creative faculty.
Lack of a proper study environment: Contrary to traditional classroom setups, the online learning mode lacks the privilege of an environment suitable for learning and innovation. Children may not find an ideal study space at home. This may be instrumental in dwindling their creative flow. A designated space for learning is needed to help students build the initial motivation for performance and understanding.
Change in engagement pattern: In a virtual set-up, screen-based learning takes the center stage. However, it can get draining for children after a point in time. The natural flow of expression becomes latent when children spend hours watching recorded sessions. Remote means of learning reduce the active engagement of children, which is ensured in a classroom environment. With frequent technical glitches and internet issues, children can lose both patience and interest in the learning process. This can consequently shrink their imagination.
Decreased scope for peer learning: Virtual classrooms lower the possibility of collaborative learning. Interaction among students is hampered in online sessions, thanks to computer-mediated communication. It hampers the smooth flow of thoughts necessary for generating innovative inputs from peers. A child may also feel isolated in a remote learning setup.
How parents and teachers can help?
Parents and teachers need to make conscious efforts to keep kids motivated in the virtual learning setup environment, where learning is unhindered, which can strengthen a child’s imaginative faculty. Sharing relatable personal experiences and storytelling activities can inspire students to unleash their creativity.
As parents and teachers, you need to help children learn to acknowledge the power of originality while encouraging them to look at various aspects of life with a creative bent of mind. Comprehensive, interactive sessions with fun-filled challenges can broaden the horizon of their cognitive development, leaving room for natural expression.