Many of us aren't fans of eLearning and believe that in-person classes have much to recommend them. Disabled kids and those from poor families have even more reasons to favour in-person schooling. However, given the pandemic and the need to protect kids, online education seems to be the only viable alternative these days. How can parents ensure that kids get the best out of the virtual classroom setting?
Though this could be difficult to ensure, try to give the child a dedicated device and an uninterrupted internet connection for study. If possible the child should have a quiet place that is conducive to study and a work surface that allows reading and writing simultaneously while attending class.
Parents should check in on kids attending online classes without spying or being obsessive about it. Parental controls can be activated on the device that the child uses to study so they don’t waste time on social media during classes. Occasionally check to see if the child is actually paying attention and taking notes where required, but doing this 50 times a day will be counterproductive. Parents can try not to tell kids how to attend class – try to remember those kids have being going to school on their own these past years.
Online exams are a tricky thing. While everyone would like realistic and accurate assessments to be carried out, an online exam setting provides literally endless means to cheat. So for exams, parents can supervise and invigilate by virtue of their physical presence.
Classes may be online but kids still have to study at home, so the same principles of study apply here as well. Kids still need to review, revise and repeat. They need to self-study, make sure they know their material well and need to practice. Parents can guide kids without getting on their case.
Parents can help kids create a daily schedule and study routine. They can ensure a regular sleep time, getting up on time, getting ready for classes etc. Parents and kids together can create a study schedule where kids revise their study material and also get time for leisure activities.
Breaks are a part of physical school and should be a part of eLearning as well. Parents can try to coordinate their own schedules to try to have breakfast with their kids, for instance. This is a great way to touch base with the child and know what they are studying and what problems they are encountering (if any).
If there is an online meeting with the teacher, at least one parent should attend. If the child is having problems in one or other area of study, parents can make sure that this is communicated to the teacher concerned.
Some children find the online medium of instruction boring and inadequate. Here a parent can try to help along the learning process by explaining tougher concepts to kids. If the child is not able to cope, consider extra coaching or learning aids. Online education is not ideal by any means, however with a little consideration and application of mind, parents can ensure that their kids get the best of their online classes.
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