There are three ways to learn the abacus: Attend an abacus school, Use online classes, and Learn on your own. In this article, we will talk about online classes.

Benefits of Online Classes

1. Flexibility in Time and Location:  Online classes can be accessed easily from home, saving you the trouble of commuting and scheduling. This is especially beneficial for students who want to attend an abacus school but don’t have one nearby. For example, my abacus school was about 25 minutes away by car, which meant I needed my parents to drive me. With online classes, you can study without being bound by location or time. Often, you can choose from multiple time slots and days that fit your schedule.

2. Instruction from Instructors:  In online abacus classes, instructors lead live sessions via platforms like Zoom, creating an interactive learning environment. Here, questions are encouraged, and instant feedback is provided, ensuring your child grasps each concept. This personalized support not only enhances their abacus skills but also makes learning enjoyable.

3. Cost-Effective Online classes are often less expensive than traditional abacus schools. Without the need for commuting expenses or facility fees, the overall cost is usually lower. For example, group lessons might cost around $18 per session, while private lessons can range from $60 to $80(The tuition cost varies for each class).

4. Maintaining Motivation Maintaining your child’s interest in abacus practice is crucial, and online classes offer an interactive approach. With live sessions, they connect directly with instructors, receiving timely feedback and encouragement. Periodic tests and friendly competitions add excitement to the learning experience. Being part of a group fosters a sense of community among classmates, making learning both dynamic and enjoyable.

My Experience with Online Classes

During the pandemic, the abacus school I attended switched to online classes, and I took part in these for a while. At that time, I was already an advanced student, so I didn’t have anything new to learn from the teacher. I would simply see the teacher on Zoom and time myself while solving problems as usual. For beginners and intermediate students, learning calculation methods is essential, but for advanced levels, the focus is on solving increasingly complex and large-number problems quickly and accurately.

Moreover, the varying levels of students in my online class were a disadvantage for me. When I attended the abacus school, I could compete with students of similar levels, which helped me improve faster. However, in the online class, there were no students at my level, so I found it more effective to practice alone at my own pace. Nonetheless, whether attending classes online or in person, maintaining enrollment was essential for participating in official abacus exams administered by the school.

Conclusion

Online abacus classes offer convenience for students unable to access local abacus schools and provide flexibility in scheduling. With many options available in the US, including private and small group sessions, these online platforms often boast lower tuition costs compared to traditional schools.

While instructors appear supportive and create child-friendly atmospheres, their expertise and the level of instruction for intermediate and advanced learners remain uncertain. It’s important to note that becoming a skilled instructor requires time, commitment, knowledge, and experience. In Japan, certified instructors typically hold dan-level abacus certifications and undergo specialized training.