With the e-learning market size projected to hit a 20% CAGR from 2022 to 2028, the time is right to consider how an online education may benefit future generations. With continuous advancements in technology, communication, and travel, communities around the world are becoming closer both geographically and culturally, meaning a global skill set that functions regardless of locality will become increasingly useful.
Regardless of how many cultures make up the social mosaic of our communities, cultural awareness matters for a myriad of reasons that impact nearly every aspect of society — including succeeding in careers, navigating everyday interactions, and communicating effectively with others. With over 77% of employers believing high school should shift focus to real world skills from traditional subject matters, many are looking for ways to supplement their education.
Akvilė Bartaševičiūtė, the founder of FRIENDOLAND, an intercontinental non-formal e-school with classes for children ages 6-17 starting from March 2023, said that educating children globally from an early age helps them make friends all over the world, get to know different cultures, traditions and adapt to a global world more easily.
“As the world evolves and so many people begin to work in international companies and join international organizations, it is important to understand different cultures and to have a global perspective. Because of that, learning in an international community from an early age helps children to prepare for future opportunities and challenges they might face,” she explained.
Pursuing non-formal education online may be key in building a globally-minded skillset that traditional schooling has difficulties imparting — from having a classroom with a diverse group of pupils to tackling globally-relevant issues such as poverty and climate change.
How does non-formal e-learning foster cultural sensitivity?
One advantage that e-learning has over traditional schooling is its accessibility — both geographical location and time zone become non-factors for attendance, as all that is needed is a computer. This is especially relevant for children that live in more remote locations, where options for non-formal education are not as plentiful. This means children have access to more opportunities to meet new friends and to get to know the world all from the comfort of home. In addition, e-learning platforms are usually cheaper than in-person education alternatives, allowing underserved children to join the world of non-formal education easier and connect with others all around the globe.
According to Ms. Bartaševičiūtė, online learning platforms also cover unique topics such as climate change, global poverty, and cultural studies, which can help children develop a more global perspective and a sense of social responsibility.
“Research has shown that it is easier to form such habits at a young age rather than later on in life. Taking sustainability as an example, teaching children to sort rubbish or use less plastic from an early age can form positive habits, which slowly but steadily could create a huge impact on the world,” noted Ms. Bartaševičiūtė. “Each class is designed to not only learn about a certain topic but also delves into different cultures.”
For example, classes such as debate help children consider issues the modern world faces by exchanging opinions, different sports like yoga or meditation allow them to discover culturally important practices while exercising, and even discover how climate change may impact communities around the globe as they grow older during sustainability classes.
“We think of a classroom as a big world stage where everyone has time to shine. Different cultures can bring more diverse opinions to the table and give way to different discussions, which help children learn from each other,” said Ms. Bartaševičiūtė.
ABOUT FRIENDOLAND
Friendoland is a non-formal e-learning platform for schoolchildren all across the globe. Through weekly classes (starting in March 2023), gatherings, and annual summer camps, children become part of an international community that creates life-long friendships and develops a unique global-minded skill set. With online classes consisting of up to 14 children, each pupil receives individual attention and has a chance to shine.
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