Online learning environments can be spaces of support, fun and a place where friendships are formed.
Online learning environments can be places of support, fun and where long-lasting friendships take shape.
Sue Atkins, a very well-known parenting coach and author in the UK, recently discussed online learning environments on British radio (listen to a snippet above), noting that engaging learning spaces like Valenture allow students to interact and collaborate with classmates.
"They don't just sit there listening," she says.
Valenture teachers regularly note that their students celebrate each other in class. Be that for a fascinating point of view in a Social Sciences class or when reading out loud in the virtual French class.
"So, in today's breakout session for French, about midway through the kids read aloud and it was incredible how they were celebrating each other in the best way, even when making errors!" says Danielle, a teacher at Valenture.
Simthandile, a Junior High student at Valenture says that she loves listening to other students expressing their opinions in the breakout sessions. Breakouts are spaces where students get the time to discuss concepts and everyday aspects of their lives with each other.
Another student, Olivia, says that students often message each other after breakouts, and take their online chats offline onto Whatsapp.
Many friendships form this way, which busts the myth that online learning environments are passive spaces of isolation.
