Tips for Virtual Learning
The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc around the globe and is systematically disrupting education. Students are having to transition from in-person schooling to “remote learning.” For many, taking students out of their regular learning environment causes anxiety and presents a multitude of challenges. And because parents are now working from home as well, maintaining organization and discipline while studying from home is even more difficult. Another layer to this complex issue is that schools are not presenting a uniform virtual learning plan. Some offer emails with PDF attachments and links to videos, others are able to offer a full virtual platform, and, for the fortunate few, there can be a live feed plus virtual platform (i.e. the ideal hybrid in a less than ideal situation). Given the current expectation of virtual schooling to continue through the end of the academic year for most students in the United States, developing a strong and consistent structure in the home environment will make learning easier and maybe a little fun.
These are our TOP TIPS for parents to help ensure your kids stay on track with their education in these difficult times:
1) Be Organized
When families are stuck at home, it’s easy to slip into the weekend vibe. With remote learning, it’s important to treat weekdays like schooldays and build a realistic daily routine. Students shouldn’t sleep until noon, and they should be ready to work (full breakfast, have all their materials in front of them, know their resources and how to access them (this is HUGE), understand how to reach out to teachers, etc.). Organization and structure are key in encouraging students and parents to maintain the feeling of a school day.
2) Keep Distractions to a Minimum
In the home environment, there can be so many distractions: a toddler running around screaming, mom’s conference call (why is she not using earbuds?!?), the glorious XBOX, access to iPads for playing Roblox and TikTok, hopping on FaceTime calls with friends. It goes on and on. The goal is to place yourself in a space with minimal distractions. In some cases, putting on your headphones and listening to music while you work can be a fun indulgence not allowed in regular school). Again, only if it “helps” you focus. See #3 about the ideal room as this can minimize distractions and interruptions, too.
3) Create a Dedicated Classwork Space
Find a quiet room with good light and a scenic view, set up a desk, chair, printer, computer, and materials, and make sure it is WiFi accessible for the virtual platform and online resources. Having a caddy for art materials is great, too. You never know when a teacher will ask for a creative spin to an assignment, and this minimizes unnecessary odysseys around the house looking for oil pastels, protractors, or a thesaurus. If you can place a whiteboard in the room, even better. Think of this as an opportunity to create the ideal homeschool environment. Once designed, you have an inspiring space with little distraction.
4) Get Support
Although parents are also working from home, they may or may not be able to provide instructional support for their children. Most parents aren’t trained teachers, and they might not have the required patience for teaching either. Even for the fortunate few with parents that are amazing educators, there is a caveat: that parent is probably teaching virtually on an online platform during school hours! Thankfully, if your child needs help beyond what is offered by his/her program, there are a ton of online resources and services available to assist students.
On Location Education, for example, has developed a framework to support the urgent needs of remote learning. We have refocused our educators and services to do everything we can to support students virtually during this pandemic. We have created convenient and individualized instructional services to assist students with a wide range of academic needs.
These include:
Online subject-specific tutoring
Online core academic teaching (teacher-guided “homeschooling”)
Online academic coaching
Full private school enrollment with The School for Young Performers
Full descriptions of these programs are available here.
We are indeed living in challenging times, but there are still many ways to ensure students stay focused on their education. Above all, remember to be flexible, understanding, and disciplined to make remote learning work for you and your children.