Due to the COVID crisis, districts have carefully prepared for various educational scenarios. Some schools have turned to online education to protect their pupils and staff, but this has caused a sea change in how everyone involved in a child’s education—from teachers to students to parents—approaches their work. Parents have issues with their children’s online schooling:

The Parents Lack Any Emergency Tech Support.

According to a survey conducted by Promethean, an education technology company, only 5% of teachers believe they receive adequate training and support for tech in their schools. Therefore, it is understandable that you, as a parent, feel concerned.

It is normal for parents to feel uneasy about their child’s school’s implementation of a virtual learning interface. You should know, however, that if you are a parent and are having difficulties, you are not alone.

You might find it helpful to connect with other parents through a WhatsApp group or other ways of communication because we need to provide each other with as much help as we can. If issues persist, you should contact the school.

Most Students Would Rather Struggle Alone Than Seek Help.

Most online institutions stress the importance of self-directed learning and encourage students to take an active role in their education. Students should get their hands on a copy of the required textbook, watch the assigned videos, and use the downloadable study materials to prepare for this class. Not much formal instruction is provided to clarify the content; nonetheless, those who require it may have access to occasional support sessions.

However, many young people either do not feel safe asking for help or cannot articulate what they require. Having knowledge gaps in such a situation can damage the student’s academic foundation, which will have far-reaching effects. It is important now for parents to become involved. One way parents can help is by providing a space where their children can practice answering questions related to what they have been learning.

Having Fewer Interruptions

A student’s family life may present a significant distraction. They can ignore the computer and switch to a game if you put them in front of it. The advantages of in-person interaction are lost in an online classroom.

According to a survey done in 2016, students check their phones or other electronic devices an average of 11.43 times each day for “non-class purposes.” Also, this has occurred in classes where the instructor could move freely about the room, keeping tabs on student progress and boosting engagement.

Creating a Learning Haven

Despite the obvious differences, schools are increasingly pressuring students to keep an academic mindset even when they are not physically present on campus. This may prove not easy if everyone at home plans to stay for the day.

The distractions of a busy home life might make it difficult to focus on a single task. Parents should try to provide their children a calm space to study and instruct them to use this location as though it were their private library.

Paul Petersen