“Can online learning be an effective method for literacy instruction?”
Yes, children can definitely learn effectively online; and, in my experience, there are real advantages to online lessons that can make remote learning even more effective than in-person instruction!
In-person reading lessons in schools is typically done in the classroom, or sometimes with a smaller group in another classroom. Even one-to-one work is likely to be done in a place full of distractions and noise. So, unless your child is getting help in a private office, there will always be competing factors for your child’s attention.
One of the things that is important to know about dyslexia, is that memory and "cognitive load" play significant roles in a student’s ability to read and spell.
Cognitive load refers to the weight, or “load” placed on the brain’s ability to think during any given task. Good online-lesson plans should reduce the extra load so that children can concentrate on learning!
When my students engage with me in a live, online lesson, they are intently focused on our tasks on-screen. We all know how engaging a computer screen can be! Although there are times when wish that weren't so, in my work I am able to use that focus to keep kids engaged and attentive to my Orton-Gillingham method lessons.
In an online lesson, I can use a great variety of instantly-available tools, which keeps the lesson moving along with few interruptions. Thats why I am able to provide nearly double the opportunities for kids to practice their skills than a traditional in-person one-to-one lesson would allow in the classroom.
“What about multi-sensory teaching? Isn’t that an important part of Orton-Gillingham method lessons? ”
Absolutely!
Multi-sensory teaching encourages students use more than one of their senses when learning because they are more likely to remember that information when they have seen, heard, and touched the learning material. In my lessons, we regularly do “look, hear, say” activities, notice and discuss the mouth and throat sensations when producing letter sounds, pair letter sounds with movements, or use digital tools to build words, just to name a few examples! For the sense of touch, your child will be able to use the items in their Reading Kit to write, trace, read, and spell.
Now you know why online lessons are a great way to teach reading!