How Can Parents Make Their Child's Online Learning A Success?

Make Online Learning A Success With A Few Tips

They say change doesn’t happen overnight, but this change did. Educational institutions across the globe shifted the learning process to virtual platforms overnight without giving enough time to students and their parents to acclimatize to the new learning ecosystem. Distance learning indeed helped in continuing education during the COVID-19 mayhem, but children found the demands of the online learning process overwhelming.

Gradually, virtual classrooms became the new normal, but digital learning platforms brought challenges for both children and parents. For instance, it is not easy for young ones to sit through long sessions. They are often distracted by their surroundings. They find it difficult to concentrate on their studies with all the hustle and bustle going on around them.

Also, their normal schedule has gone for a toss. The pandemic has put a break on peer interaction and socialization. They are cooped up in their abodes. According to the World Economic Forum, worldwide there are currently more than 1.2 billion children in 186 countries affected by school closures due to the pandemic.

As the pandemic is not ready to budge, many schools and colleges are planning to continue distance learning. Parents across the globe are trying various techniques to keep their children motivated and interested in online learning. But it is an uphill task.

 A WHO report states that due to the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), children are affected by physical distancing, quarantines, and nationwide school closures. Some children and young people may be feeling more isolated, anxious, bored, and uncertain.

The onus falls upon the parents to keep children motivated and interested. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)'s findings reveal that different forms of support from families and teachers, including parental emotional support and teacher enthusiasm, are found to be important for the development of positive attitudes toward learning and can ensure that students acquire the attitudes and dispositions that can maximize their ability to make the most of online learning opportunities.

Experts believe online courses require a greater amount of motivation as compared to the face-to-face learning system. What is important is to keep children happy, healthy, and motivated! Here are a few tips that can help in yielding the desired results.

1. Minimize Distraction

Online classes have a schedule, and as parents, you must try to reduce distractions during this period. Every household is bustling with activities, but for the sake of your child wrap up the chores before the sessions. Less commotion in the house would mean fewer distractions for children. With a little planning, you can achieve that.

It would be a good idea to provide a designated study space for children where they can concentrate on their lessons without getting distracted. Ensure that everything that is required during the class is within the reach.

2. Follow A Schedule

During COVID everything went haywire, and that’s why it is all the more important to maintain a daily routine for your child. A routine life translates into consistency. This helps children concentrate on learning sessions.

Make sure that the routine suits you and your child. The routine should include a go-to-bed and wake-up schedule. Sleep-deprived children are cranky, and they cannot focus. Lack of concentration affects their creative output. They need a break to do their things, so make sure apart from mealtimes, nap times, playtime, the schedule also includes "Me Time" for them.

3. Digital Literacy A Must For Parents

Everyone cannot be an expert in handling digital tools, but it has become mandatory for parents to be well-versed with digital learning platforms. Children are too young to navigate through digital learning platforms independently.

Even digitally savvy parents find online education challenging and, therefore, parents should spend time learning the requirements for online classes. A digitally competent parent can make online learning simpler and easier for their children by mentoring them.

There are several EdTech organizations that allow parents to join the sessions with their children.

4. Limit Gadget Use

A study published in the Canadian Journal found the use of technology in class, such as laptops or phones, for non-educational purposes was distracting to almost half of students, while others surveyed believe technology in the classroom is unavoidable.

In the current scenario, when children have to attend online classes through gadgets, it is important to make sure these gadgets don't become a distraction. Parents should restrict the use of the devices until children are through with their tasks.

5. Emotional Care And Support

No outdoor activities, no interaction with classmates, and no friends to have fun with have brought dullness into the life of children. But the fact is that children are forced to cope with these restrictions right now, and it is taking a toll on them.

Here, parental support can play a crucial role in keeping children motivated. A strong family network and a healthy environment at home help in strengthening the ability to cope with problems. They can spend quality time with their children, indulge in their favorite activities, and give them more attention.

Indeed, it is a tricky situation for the parents. They do not just have to keep themselves motivated but also have to create a healthy and constructive environment at home to ensure their children flourish and grow without facing the repercussions of the pandemic.