In the following article, we help provide some of the best tips that can help parents on how to support online learning for their children, and helping both students and parents to keep up with the new norm of Online Classes.
How do classes function with the beginning of the academic year? Will online classes be the same as classrooms? What needs to be taken care of for students?
This article helps to answer questions that parents need to follow to help adjust to the new norm of Online Classes
The Covid-19 outbreak has impacted all over the world, including educational institutions. Many countries across the globe had implemented complete lock-down, and resuming with conditions.
At the same time parents are worried about sending the kids to schools as social distancing cannot be followed. Many think it is better to have the schools closed till Aug-Sep, few till the end of the year.
Schools are now reaching the beginning of the academic year, many opening for examinations and administrative activities, while classes are being conducted online.
1. How Online Classes/courses work?
Many in the west were already conducting online classes and also corporates moved from classroom to online model for the upskilling of their employees. This can be either instructor-led, with Teachers available online, and taking them through the subject or Online Course, where the module will be text/video and students need to complete the module.
In both these Online Learning models there will be assistance, assignments to be completed, and assessments.
2. How to set up the Physical space?
Setting up the comfortable space for the kids to take the online classes is very important.
This needs to be a quiet space away from television sets, visitor entrance, and comfortable space. It may be difficult in few houses due to the living conditions to provide a dedicated space, however, try to make the best of what is available.
In Online Learning, It is important, that the desktop/laptop be set up with proper lighting. Spending hours in front of the computer will lead to the below risks
· Headache is a major effect on the kids increased screen time
· Irritation to the eye
· This will reduce the span of attention
· This will also lead to kids getting irritated mentally, and
· Subsequently leading to behavioral changes
How to reduce the risk of longer screen time?
The effects of longer screen time can be reduced by using these simple methods
· Using Blue Screen filters that reduces light from the screen of a computer
· Planning screen time both on phone and in front of the television
· It is important to have a proper seat to reduce backache and pain in neck areas
· During breaks, it is better not to have the kid spend on other activities on the computer like playing games or random surfing
3. Breaks and Schedule
Ensure that kids take proper breaks. It is better to have a regular schedule
A proper routine needs to be followed during the time the kids are taking up online classes. This needs to be no different than what the kid was following while going to schools.
A timetable can be prepared with sleep/wake times, time of online classes, and time for breaks, playtime, television viewing time, exercises and workouts, and other activities.
It can be given from the school so it can help all the students or can be prepared by parents at home on their own.
The kids need to get some fresh air. So a walk outdoor can help. This will also kill boredom. Plan some time for fun and playtime as well in the daily schedule.
4. Regular school methods with the online methodology
It is also important that the regular school methods are also practiced along with the online learning method
· Taking down notes on hard copies by writing and not making notes on any word processing applications on the PC Like notepad/Word/etc
· Ensure all support accessories like a map/globe is used for geography and not use an Internet
· Using a calculator and not the calculator application available on the PC
· Follow using Textbooks same as in schools, and not rely on no online notes alone
5. Other tips:
In this section, we talk about other important tips that parents need to take care such as how to groom inter-personal skills, and how parents can support each other.
· It is important to drink water and keep the body hydrated
Ensure the kids drink water from time to time and keep the body hydrated. Dehydration can cause a tremendous impact on the body leading to fatigue
· Ensure proper sleep times
Based on the schedule prepared, ensure the kids get sound sleep. If not used to sleeping during the day, try to keep the same routine
· It is also important to have a good diet plan
The lock-down also had many people experimenting with cooking skills. Junk food is always a no-no. At the same time consume fruits and vegetables rich in proteins, and follow a regular and healthy diet plan
· Follow home workouts, continue physical exercise
Home workouts can be practiced along with physical exercise. This can be done indoors or in the terrace/balcony of the homes. This also helps in getting fresh air
· Do talk to other parents and if needed consultants/counselors who can provide support
All parents may be facing the same challenges, or some even different. It is a good idea to talk to them about what they face and how they handle the situation. You may also share what you have done in case you faced a similar challenge.
If needed, better to talk to counselors or even consultants who are experts in the field, and can provide great tips to be practices
· Kids can continue to have a video chat with friends to keep up the inter-personal skills
Learning in virtual mode and not the regular school also reducing inter-personal skills. This can be avoided by having video chat with friends. The same can be done by parents with relatives/friends along with the kids.
Final Thoughts
Parents play a very important role in Online learning from home.
In the current method of school learning, a higher responsibility was on the teachers when it comes to the accountability of the students’ progress, however with online classes, the responsibility is more on the parents.
Hopefully, the above article may not have covered all, however have summed up some very good tips for parents to follow and adapt in these trying times, as we start the academic year in a few weeks.
