Cristina
During the time of the pandemic, we have started learning from a distance. And have heard about some negative aspects of learning virtually and its effects on students. But introverts have succeeded in learning virtually. They had a positive experience while learning this way. As they are the one who observes, take more time to process the things, and need opportunities to get recharge. They don’t dislike people they just like their alone time. Introverts don’t converse much, meaning they avoid small talk and rarely participate in class discussions. Let’s discuss virtual learning and introverts in detail.
1. Small talk is completely removed,
In the actual classroom, we have to interact with our classmates even if we don’t want to. When we’re in the classroom we are a little forced to talk with the classmate sitting around us. Had to take part in group discussions. And had to take part in the group project activity.
But in virtual learning, not physically being next to each other puts a full stop to the idle conversations. The pressure of talking to your classmate or talking to a person you’re working on a project is no longer required. Introverts can now work with peace without getting engaged in small talks while working on their projects.
2. Students get sufficient time to recharge
In school students are surrounded by other people all day long. It starts in the morning. From a bus ride full of other students and kids and after reaching a classroom full of peers. Lunch is also a hurdle to get pass through it as the cafeteria is so loud. And then the recess the agenda of the group game is on.
Virtual learning provides relaxation to introverts from all these. It provides plenty of time to recharge themselves. They can learn and create in their own space without disturbance. Without being surrounded by people around them making their energy low.
3. They have plenty of time to generate solutions to the problems
Introverts need time to process and analyze things internally and virtual learning is more effective when it comes to analyzing questions and answering them. In virtual learning, students can use the virtual hand raise option if they wish to answer or have a query. And the chat function is also working as a stress reliever, too eliminating on-the-spot answers. Introverts have been known to use the chat option to contribute to discussions as they have time to think and then respond to it.
4. Working in a silent environment can be beneficial (and perfect learning environment)
If you’ve been to an art classroom you’ve noticed that creating is loud and busy, students talk while creating and taking their supplies. Also, the clean-up time is very noisy when they clean their table, brush, and pack all their things. Virtually the classroom is silent and peaceful while we create. Many introverted students perform better in virtual class and prefer working in a calm environment.
5. They can be less in front of people they can turn off their cameras
In virtual learning, introverts can still be in class without all eyes on them. Cameras can be aimed downward to show the ongoing artwork. Being in the center of attraction can make fellow introverts self-conscious. And can make them feel awkward especially when you are in front of the camera all day. The pressure of being watched is less when the camera is off. They can still be part of the class without revealing their emotions through their facial expressions. Also, it eliminates the need to be camera-ready.
6. They are comfortable with themselves, and with their introverted personality
Many students virtually study in their own environments, learning in their rooms, or even with grandma nearby. Because being in a familiar environment they are comfortable and feel safe. Having in a comfortable familiar relatable sights, sounds, objects, and smells. This creates a calm workspace where creativity can be expressed to its fullness.
7. They can perform better over different circumstances, before which they couldn’t
Virtual classrooms allow students to learn to have control over the situations they normally don’t have control in the physical classroom. Like entering a meeting room on their own and waiting after the meeting to put up questions. And avoid feeling awkward with other students.
Now they can ask the question after the meeting to satisfy themselves or just to have a little one on one chat they’re waiting for. In a physical classroom, it’s hard to get one-on-one time with the teacher. In the physical classroom, it becomes hard for introverted students to talk with the teacher and clear their doubts.
Virtual classrooms can be a good way to avoid bullying personalities. It is not a good thing, hiding behind the cameras but can relieve introverts by avoiding bullies and the way they make one feel low and less than they truly are. As learning virtually is not ideal for some introverted students it is a welcome change for them. In the extroverted world, virtual learning has removed some of the challenges introverts used to face in schools. Without getting in trouble with these obstacles students introverts develop in their virtual learning environment. But now the introverted students are definitely holding their heads above the water. And some of them are, even floating above the rest of them.
