Virtual Learning Advice -Tips for Parents to Help Kids Improve Remote Learning

 

The classroom has come home, perhaps for good. In the wink of an eye, Covid 19 ensured that projects, classes and homework that were only occasionally conducted over the internet, all went online in the span of a few months.

This, however, is just the beginning. Schools and colleges are only just buckling down to the task of creating online syllabi, assignments and activities that will keep the new academic year going smoothly. As a parent, there's much you can do by engaging with your child's new system of distance learning - ensuring a supportive environment at home, introducing your child to interesting content and making learning fun in the bargain.

Beyond the classroom

• As education goes online, a big part of ensuring seamless learning will be devices on which it occurs and the internet connectivity that enables it. While your child may have used your laptop and printer in the past to complete assignments, she could need one of her own now along with a high speed internet connection, not just for regular classes but to connect with friends and take online music and craft lessons.
• With the digital education space opening up globally, there are numerous learning resources out there that can be tapped. Online Schooling Platforms have been offering students all over the world free online classes using a mastery-before-moving-on approach. These platforms are integrated with in-classroom and at-home settings and have tools to help students, teachers and parents with teaching, coaching and collaboration.
• The extra -curricular activities, which add to a child's overall development, need not suffer simply because education has moved online.

Turning the home into a fun learning zone

• Space

Be flexible in designing learning spaces, although a designated work desk and adherence to timings could help maintain discipline. While a quieter room or corner can be set aside for more serious studies and online tests, household items like cardboard boxes and pillows can help transform boring home spaces into creative corners for arts and craft learning. A balance between structured studying space and allowing children a choice to learn and engage comfortably is important.

• Breaks and creativity

Research shows that breaks help improve students' attention span. Breaking lessons into smaller, more manageable chunks helps them focus better and use their energies better. Discussions, art work and creative writing can be more productive than rote learning techniques, particularly when a child is not surrounded by peers. Encouraging older children to teach younger siblings can also work wonders when friends may be in short supply during home schooling.

• Encourage struggle

Allowing children to struggle productively and to wrestle with problems by themselves before intervening can help in boosting their self-confidence. Too much praise can also make them risk averse or diffident to try challenging things. This is also a good time to encourage them to engage in household activities like cooking or organising which can develop problem-solving skills.

• Unstructured play is important!

Music, art, drawing, and dance are highly engaging activities that also improve language skills, mental focus, empathy, and creativity. Apart from these, board games or unstructured play in the backyard with proper social distancing will help maintain a semblance of a normal childhood. When online school is over for the day, encourage children to play outside in the sunlight if they can. Even if they can't have playdates, encourage children to stay connected with friends and family by phone, Skype or FaceTime. Encourage them to share their feelings and to check on the well-being of others around them.

Net etiquette

While going online offers an increased opportunity for children to keep learning, take part in play and keep in touch with their friends, it brings heightened risks for children's safety, protection and privacy.

• Discuss the perils of the internet with children so that they know what they should be aware of and guard against, particularly on video platforms.
• You can set up parental controls on their net enabled devices to reduce online risks.
• Be prepared and aware of local reporting mechanisms and store helpline numbers, just in case of cyberbullying or an incident of inappropriate content online.

Virtual classrooms, distance learning and online exams are going to be the new normal as you begin to navigate the new academic year. With many colleges and universities actively looking at more distance enabled courses, online learning may be here to stay for a long time. It is important therefore to prepare for your child's education and create a corpus that will help realise her academic aspirations after completing school. Sound Investment plans like HDFC Life Click 2 Wealth can help you reach specific goals like college fees and other incidental academic expenses that you may incur. One of the options in this plan, provides life cover and takes care of your investment needs by providing accumulated Fund Value at Maturity. plans. help you build a corpus for your child to draw from and teach your child fiscally responsible behaviours

In a fast changing world, a good savings and investment plan can be the anchor that helps you navigate the evolving landscape of your child's life!

Related Article:

• How to Plan for Child's Future?
• A Comprehensive Guide to Planning for Your Child's Education
• Secure Your Child's Future With Child Insurance
• When to Start Investing in Child Investment Plans
• How to choose the Best Child Education Plan?
• Welcome Your Child into a World of Financial Stability

ARN: ED/06/20/19291

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