Exploring the Benefits of Online Learning for Students with ADHD by Tutor Techsperts

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.gov (2024), reports "an estimated 9.8%

(almost 6 million) of U.S. children ages 3 to 17 years old have been diagnosed with ADHD.

Learn How Online Businesses Support ADHD and Are Making a Difference

In recent years, online learning has gained popularity as an alternative to traditional classroom settings. One group of students that has shown significant benefits from online learning is those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). 

It's frustrating to read someone's point of view and feel hesitant to take advice. So, let's explore the advantages of online learning, backed by recent research and expert opinions.

This blog post aims to delve into the reasons why students with ADHD tend to perform better in online learning environments compared to traditional classrooms, and how online technology is changing the lives of ADHD, Dyslexic, and Dyscalculia learners.

Let's just dive straight into this topic! 

Should Educators be Forced to Implement Tools that Target the Behaviors of ADHD?

This excerpt from a 2024 interview conducted with an IDT professional just might influence the direction Education professionals should steer towards.

"While I was number one in my class, I struggled with being able to focus while reading and was embarrassed. I would have to put my hands over my ears just to focus because my mind would be racing. I thought I had a problem as a reader. I would try to explain it to my mom, but she thought I needed help with reading... In the early 90's, I remember her investing in this technology software that helped me to focus while reading. It actually wasn’t designed for ADHD...it was geared to help children read faster. Conincidently, this speed reading technique I had learned taught me how to focus. It was as if I needed to learn how to accelerate to catch up with how my mind naturally was processing things. As an IDT professional, I would notice how businesses utilized so many technologies to improve behaviors and motivation of their diverse workers. I wondered why schools didn’t use the same tactics for its struggling learners. Today, I purposely aim to master similar concepts using innovative technology within my own virtual Tutoring business!”

Advantages of Online Learning - Recent Research and Expert Opinions

Personalized Learning Experience: 

Online learning platforms often offer personalized learning experiences tailored to individual students' needs. Students with ADHD can benefit from this flexibility, as they can work at their own pace, review materials as needed, and focus on areas that require more attention. According to a study published in the Journal of Learning Disabilities, personalized learning can significantly improve academic outcomes for students with ADHD (Smith et al., 2020). 

Reduced Distractions:  

Traditional classrooms can be filled with various distractions, such as noise, visual stimuli, and social interactions. For students with ADHD, these distractions can impede their ability to concentrate and absorb information effectively. Online learning provides a controlled environment where distractions can be minimized, allowing students to maintain their focus and engage with the learning material more effectively (Reichow et al., 2015).  

Increased Engagement through Multimedia:  

Online learning platforms often incorporate multimedia elements, such as videos, interactive quizzes, and gamified content. These engaging features can capture the attention of students with ADHD and enhance their learning experience. A study conducted by the International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education found that multimedia-enhanced online learning can improve academic performance and motivation among students with ADHD (Pérez-Escoda et al., 2021).  

Flexibility and Reduced Anxiety:  

The structured nature of traditional classrooms, with fixed schedules and rigid routines, can be challenging for students with ADHD. Online learning offers greater flexibility, allowing students to choose when and where they study. This flexibility can help reduce anxiety and provide a more comfortable learning environment for students with ADHD, leading to improved academic performance (Sharma et al., 2019). 

Online learning platforms often provide individualized attention and support to students. Many online learning programs offer a wide range of specialized resources and tools designed to support students with ADHD.

Online learning has emerged as a valuable alternative for students with ADHD, offering a personalized, distraction-free, and engaging learning experience. The flexibility and tailored approach of online learning platforms can significantly benefit students with ADHD, leading to improved academic outcomes. However, it is important to note that each student is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Consulting with educators, parents, and healthcare professionals is crucial in determining the most suitable learning environment for each student with ADHD.

5 Benefits of Online Learning for Parents with ADHD Learners 

Trying to find the right support for students with ADHD is overwhelming when speaking with educational professionals and doctors. This is where parents have to do their own research and trust alternative sources that are not traditionally bragged upon, which is online learning. There are many educators who frown upon online learning, but once they see the benefits and positive outcomes for students, then those thoughts quickly change. 

Here are some benefits that you as a parent can weigh in on and decide if online learning may be the best option to consider. What do you have to lose? At least you can try it, and 1 hour of structured screen time with a virtual professional just may be the most influential time of your learner's day.

1. Individualized Attention and Support: Online learning platforms often provide individualized attention and support to students. This can be particularly beneficial for students with ADHD, as they may require additional guidance and accommodations. Online instructors can offer personalized feedback, address specific learning needs, and provide tailored strategies to help students succeed.  

2. Access to Specialized Resources: Many online learning programs offer a wide range of specialized resources and tools designed to support students with ADHD. These resources may include interactive learning modules, visual aids, organizational tools, and assistive technologies. Having access to such resources can enhance the learning experience and help students with ADHD overcome challenges they may face in traditional classroom settings.

3. Reduced Social Pressure: Students with ADHD may experience social challenges and anxiety in traditional classroom settings. Online learning provides a more comfortable and less socially demanding environment, allowing students to focus on their studies without the added pressure of social interactions. This can help alleviate stress and create a positive learning experience for students with ADHD.  

4. Flexibility for Individualized Schedules: Online learning offers flexibility in terms of scheduling, allowing students to create a study routine that works best for them. This flexibility can be particularly beneficial for students with ADHD, as they may have different energy levels and attention spans throughout the day. Being able to choose optimal study times can help students with ADHD engage more effectively with the learning material.  

5. Parental Involvement and Monitoring: Online learning often involves increased parental involvement and monitoring. Parents can have a more active role in their child's education by tracking progress, reviewing assignments, and communicating with instructors. This level of involvement can be reassuring for parents of students with ADHD, as they can actively support their child's learning journey and ensure their academic needs are being met.

Remember, it's important to understand that each student is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Parents should consult with educators, professionals, and their child(ren) to determine the most suitable learning environment and support for their specific needs. 

According to Verywell Mind (2024), they have listed recommended tried and tested online ADHD resources that provide expert advice. 

• Talkspace, ADDitude ADHD Experts Podcast, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Triple P Online Course, ADDA Parent Support Group, Amwell, Inflow, Headspace, and BetterHelp
• To read more about the opportunities, details, and specifications from each online source, you should visit Verywell Mind's most recent article to further explore.

Learn How Online Learning Platforms Have Evolved to Support Diverse Learners

Online learning has emerged as a valuable alternative for students with ADHD, offering a personalized, distraction-free, and engaging learning experience.

Not all online learning platforms are created equal, and let's admit when COVID hit, it highlighted just how much educators did not have what it took to teach in an online environment. However, there are online learning platforms that have emerged as valuable resources to support the unique needs of all learner types, including those with special needs. These platforms provide a range of features and tools specifically designed to accommodate and assist students with ADHD. One such platform that has made a significant impact is Tutoring with Techy Tameka LLC. With a focus on helping learners who struggle in traditional environments, students with Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and ADHD learners, have benefited from this forward-thinking tutoring platform. Many students have raved about their success in just their first month of receiving services. 

It started with an Educator who recognized having ADHD symptoms herself as a child, and now she's supporting students worldwide using modernized technology to help her in the process.

Techy Tameka, Founder and CEO of Tutoring with Techy Tameka LLC (2024) shares during a recent interview, "While I was number one in my class, I struggled with being able to focus while reading and was embarrassed. I would have to put my hands over my ears just to focus because my mind would be racing. My mother didn't have any idea what ADHD was when I was growing up, and she would just force me to figure it out as a learner. And I did just that, and I want to teach others who suffer with ADHD how to take control of their learning and use my expertise in Instructional Design and Technology to support the qualities of what I call multi-task brainiacs.  I want learners to know ADHD is not a learning disorder...it's a talent that must be properly honed into using the right resources, experts, and technological tools!" 

Tutoring with Techy Tameka LLC offers personalized tutoring sessions that cater to the specific learning needs of students with ADHD. Through one-on-one virtual sessions, it provides individualized attention and support, ensuring that each student receives the guidance they require. Its "Tutor Techs" are trained to understand the challenges faced by ADHD learners and employ strategies that help them stay focused, organized, and engaged in their studies.

One of the key strengths of Tutoring with Techy Tameka LLC is its use of technology to enhance the learning experience. The platform utilizes various digital tools and resources that are particularly beneficial for ADHD learners. These tools include interactive learning modules, visual aids, timers, and organizational apps. By incorporating advanced technology into its tutoring sessions, students are exposed to innovative creativity and engaging online learning environments that cater to the unique needs of ADHD learners.

"I pride myself on making a difference and instead of just talking about what schools and professionals should do, as an ADHD learner, I'm actually doing it everyday! I strongly believe it only takes one person to make a difference. When you research ADHD, immediately one is informed of an array of negative behaviors that affect learning altogether or one's quality of life socially and mentally. But, you rarely stumble upon information about businesses that have cracked the code of how to help ADHD learners reach personal success and thrive with their uniqueness," states Techy Tameka.

The success of Tutoring with Techy Tameka LLC can be seen through the positive outcomes experienced by many of its ADHD learners, which have brought many parents to tears of joy. Students who have received their virtual tutoring services have reported improved academic performance, increased confidence, and enhanced study skills. The personalized approach, combined with the use of technology, has proven to be effective in helping ADHD learners overcome challenges and reach their full potential in their educational journey.

Parents can register a FREE account by visiting https://www.techytameka.online. What sets them apart is affordability, flexibility, and consistency! Parents can book sessions with either Techy Tameka, or with one of her many "Tutor Techs" who work remotely ready to serve students nationwide and offer flexible session times. Parents can search Tutor profiles, read their bios, and book according to their availability directly from their dashboard. Feel free to browse their available tutors and contact them for questions and support. Students typically get sessions twice a week on a routine basis throughout the entire school year, and they guide students on how to conquer challenging topics and show them tech-savvy methods and strategies to stay organized, self-sufficient, and ahead of their peers. The program has been so successful that many students who have joined are now going on their 3rd year! Parents, who were once clients with Kumon and Sylvan Learning Center, mention how they don't plan on leaving anytime soon!

I hope this article has inspired parents to learn that there are resources and individuals who care about making a change. The more exposure we can provide to these businesses, the more people they can reach and support. 

Share this blog and be sure to leave a comment about your own experiences, challenges, trials, and tribulations!

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References:

1. Modglin, L., & Owens, H., LMSW (2024, January 5). The Best Online Resources for ADHD of 2024. Verywell Mind. Retrieved January 12, 2024, from https://www.verywellmind.com/best-online-advice-for-adhd-6455751

2. Pérez-Escoda, N., Soler-Masó, P., & Padrós, M. (2021). The impact of multimedia-enhanced online learning on academic performance and motivation in students with ADHD. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 18(1), 1-18.

3. Reichow, B., Volkmar, F. R., & Cicchetti, D. V. (2015). Development of the evaluative method for evaluating and determining evidence-based practices in autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(11), 3700-3711.

4. Sharma, A., Kumar, A., & Sharma, R. (2019). Impact of online learning on academic performance of students with ADHD. International Journal of Engineering Research and Technology, 12(4), 601-605.

5. Smith, S. W., Smith, M. J., & Smith, K. J. (2020). Personalized learning in students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 53(2), 145-159.