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Remote learning ensures that children have access to continuous learning even outside the classrooms. Because of COVID-19, remote education has become a necessity in all schools and colleges for the foreseeable future. But it is a concept that might take some time for your little ones to get used to.
When you’re a working parent with school-aged kids, it’s crucial that you have some tips up your sleeve for improving the remote learning experience for your kids and avoid having any tech-related meltdowns (which you cannot afford). It’s also important to make sure that your kids are comfortable and familiar with remote learning so that they can make the most out of it.
Below, we list down some remote learning tips for parents at home.
1. Know The Basics
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You don’t have to learn about all learning platforms, but it’s important to familiarize yourself with the one your child is using. So, spend some time educating yourself on the various features and lesson plans the platform offers. You could also learn how to navigate through it all to make the learning experience easy for your child and make yourself helpful if he/she has any doubts.
2. Invest In Quality Headphones
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Investing in some quality headphones might be worth it because of all the benefits it offers. It will not only help your child to focus and listen, but it also enables you to focus better at work when there are no noises distracting you either. While buying, pick a well-reviewed one with comfy ear cups. You could also opt for noise-canceling ones to help your child muffle outside noises when he’s working on algebra or complicated scientific equations.
3. Create A Schedule
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It’s best to come up with a plan that is closer to their school schedule so that it becomes easier for everyone. However, make sure you take into account other factors, such as your family’s work schedule and other arrangements. But once you find one that works for you, stick to it.
4. Have All The Materials Ready
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Ensure they have all the materials they need from the pen, paper, and notebook to login credentials for various accounts and note-taking apps. Having all the materials at their disposal will help them focus on the class and take notes without worrying about anything else.
5. Create A Space Conducive To Learning
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You don’t want to provide them an environment with too many distractions, but you don’t want them to be in a space that is so isolated that it becomes a task for you to check in with them. Make sure their learning environment is well ventilated with natural light and isn’t too isolated.
6. Remember To Go Easy On Your Child
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Remote learning can be overwhelming for your child. So, if your little one is struggling with it, try to support them instead of pushing them to finish their homework. Make sure you don’t force something on your child over their well being. If necessary, sit with them and talk to them so that you have a better idea of how you can help them by understanding their concerns and challenges.
7. Check For Messages From School
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Make sure you have a medium of communication so that the teachers can contact you if they need to. And don’t forget to check and reply to messages. Similarly, if you have any questions and concerns, feel free to contact the teachers or the school authorities.
8. Use Mobile Hotspot
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If your entire family does work video conferences and video calls, then it’s highly likely that your data plan will get over quickly because you’re pulling up a lot of bandwidth. While you can switch to an upgraded plan, another trick is to make use of mobile hotspots. You can use the hotspot as a backup option in case the home router is being overused. However, make sure all the hotspots are password protected to prevent people from using your hotspot for free.
9. Extend Your Range
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How many times have you thought of working from your backyard or other rooms, but you just couldn’t do it because you couldn’t get a WiFi signal in that area? With a network extender, you no longer have to work in the same space. Your kids could make use of other rooms, including the backyard, to get some fresh air while listening to their class. It will offer them a better learning experience as they will no longer be restricted by poor connectivity and range.
10. Help Them Get Familiar With The Video Conferencing Interface
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Encourage your kids to try out the different settings on the video conferencing Interface to help them familiarize themselves with various features. Also, make sure your child doesn’t have any distractions while he is attending a video class. This means taking away their phone and getting their pets (if any) out of the room. During the breaks, make sure your kids aren’t glued to their phones. Instead, allow them to go outside to get some fresh air or do some light stretching exercises to engage their minds and bodies.
We hope our tips and tricks will help enhance the experience of remote learning for your kids. Would you like to share some tips that helped you improve the remote learning experience for your child? Comment below and let us know.
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