With schools shutting down as Coronavirus cases ebb and flow, many educational institutions have transitioned to the online learning model. Teachers are taking classes online as pupils stay at their homes. This transition from in-person learning to remote learning is stressful and confusing for teachers, admin, and students alike. But these aren’t the only three groups impacted by it. Parents are bearing an equal load of this confusion and stress. Here are some tips parents can use to support their children in remote learning.
Getting Accustomed to Technology
Our children grew up in the age of technological innovation and smartphones. That’s why they’re more proficient at using the internet and working the computer than us. However, online learning platforms and software aren’t similar to using Instagram or Snapchat. Therefore, your children may need guidance and support as they learn remotely.
Ensure that you have a working computer. Keep a charger handy so that your child doesn’t lose work due to low battery. Headphones with in-built microphones are great if your child is sitting through real-time lessons or live conferences. If your kids are younger, they may require your help in setting up and installing relevant software – especially the ones that need admin access. Some software programs also require you to download certain plug-ins or particular browsers, which your kids may need help in sorting out.
Ensure Effective Communication
Virtual learning has made it easy for parents to stay abreast of their child’s performance and progress in school. Various edtech tools can make it feasible for teachers to share assignment and quiz results with their parents.
Communication with your children is extremely important. You may have one device and two users. To prevent overlaps and arguments on who will use the computer first, you need to set up a timetable for it. Prioritize children who will need to take part in online real-time lessons.
Similarly, it’s equally important for you to keep in touch with the teachers. You must be accustomed to your child’s schedule for every subject. If you feel that you or your child is unclear about the homework instructions, you mustn’t hesitate to reach out to the teacher for clarity. Teachers may use different edtech platforms to teach which can lead to confusion between you and your kids. Therefore, we recommend that you make a list of all the platforms and their corresponding subjects.
Set a Timetable, But Be Flexible
Most online learning is asynchronous. It means that it will take place at separate times for different students. This is beneficial because it allows students to work at a pace that they feel is right for them. They can schedule breaks when needed. However, it’s easy for children to fall behind asynchronous learning if they don’t stay updated with daily assignments and lessons.
Therefore, it’s vital that you make a comfortable and feasible schedule for them, so that they can complete their work on time and submit it for marking. It will ensure work completion and structure in their school life. Similarly, some teachers may change their time for uploading lessons. Therefore, your child’s schedule must be flexible enough to move things around.
Minimize Distractions
Just how children can benefit from a structured routine, they can learn well in an encouraging environment. Therefore, it’s good to keep their tablet or computer in a room that has no distractions like pets or television.
It will also help you set some ground rules on internet use during learning and leisure time.
Online Decorum and Safety
While most children today are confident in their internet using skills, using the internet for leisure is different from using it for learning. Tell your children that they must ensure appropriate behavior with their peers and teachers when taking online classes. You should also ensure that all kind of communication is carried out through a secure and private chat platform.
To ensure safety, you can keep the door open when your child is attending a video conferencing – especially one on one meetings. You can check out some resources for online safety here.
Being Realistically Positive
Academic and practical matters aside, the closing of schools due to the pandemic has led to adverse impacts on your children’s mental and emotional well-being. This drastic change is bound to ensue worry among your children as it has thrown off their entire sense of familiarity and routine.
Talk to your child about what they think and how they feel about the pandemic and school closure. Reassure them that schools have been closed as a precautionary measure and that they shouldn’t panic about it. This is a great opportunity for you to get your young one engaged in current affairs. You can do that by keeping them updated on the repercussions and spread of the virus across the country.
Seek support
While some parents and students are thriving in online learning, some don’t have the resources or the time to support their children’s learning. If you cannot make alternative childcare arrangements, you should talk to your employer and see if they can offer you flexible working hours due to the pandemic.
You may also face software and hardware issues that can become hurdles for your child’s online learning experiences. In that case, you can talk to the teachers or school management and ask for support. Some schools also loan Wi-Fi hotspots and laptops to ensure that none of their students are deprived of getting the best education.
Remember, It Will Take Time!
During the initial days of online learning, you and your children may be frenzied. But you shouldn’t lose hope. Just as you’d need time to adjust to the new routine, so will your children. Soon you will find that everything falls in place and your child will thrive on remote learning.
The Best Online School for Children
Ideal School is an online primary school offering the best online elementary homeschool programs. We connect families from South and North America and the Caribbean through virtual classes for kids. Our bilingual (Spanish and English) elementary school ensures that your kid receives world-class education at the ease and safety of your home. Check out our simple 4-step enrolment process and contact us for further details.
