As the Coronavirus pandemic continues to get more serious across the globe, Indians have witnessed a time like never before from closures of restaurants, bars and theatres, and even educational institutions.
In such trying times, educational institutions are making the switch to e-learning. The motive is to keep students engaged in academics even when brick-and-mortar schools are forced to close. Schools across the country have switched to remote learning. Beyond developing adequate strategies to complete the curriculum, implementing e-learning is impacting the structure in student’s days at home and is maintaining a sense of “the new normal”. But to achieve a successful e-learning transition, it is necessary for teachers, parents, students to adjust to a new routine.
Besides the positive things e-learning has got to the table, there are a lot of concerns that have cropped up too. This new digital era is also stressful, unpredictable not just for students, teachers but also for parents who are adjusting to this new normal. With the number of Covid-19 cases increasing every other day, it is clear that parents will continue to be at home with their children for an extended period of time.
Some guidelines for parents to help prepare and not panic:
-
Tick-tock Tick-tock
E-learning does not mean relentlessly staring at your screen. We need to limit the use of tablets, phones, laptops, and evaluate the number of hours your child should devote to their schoolwork and online classes. It can be a great idea to give a dedicated device such as a tablet, laptop for maximum online learning.
-
Monitor the Monitor
The New Normal is in its budding stage, hence it is extremely important to monitor your child’s interests, level of engagement in adapting to the new lockdown routine. So how do you do it? OBSERVE your child as they follow the screen and attend their classes. Look out how much time they are able to concentrate and learn something. Also pay attention to the grey areas, after how much time your child zones out, ask him a question or two about the lessons he attended?
If your child is not actively engaged in the lessons, don’t be afraid to report it to the school authorities or their respective teachers.
Recommend Read: Why You Should Not Stop Your Child From Attending College In Another City
-
Digi Break
Too much screen time can have adverse effects like strain, headaches, behavioural changes, and many more. Hence, set a time for digital recess similar to the one they used to encounter in schools. Encourage them to choose from physical activities like breathing, going out for a small walk, a bike ride, skipping rope, or having or making a snack or two. This will help them balance their day.
-
Learning Zone
Children achieved the best results when they were working in a physical set up of learning. This is because it was quiet and comfortable. Setting up a learning zone in one corner of the house or on the same table and chair where they will attend the classes and complete their classwork and homework should be different from where you sleep and eat. Change in the physical environment truly shapes your thinking patterns. Thus, make sure that your child has a comfortable learning zone.
-
Interaction Time
Social Distancing is vital, but your child can end up feeling isolated during these times. As the world is struggling with the pandemic, it may not be safe for your kids to step out. But, you should allow them to interact with their friends digitally. This can be a great way to get in touch with others. You can also talk to fellow parents to set up virtual play hours. If a child stays isolated for a longer span, it can considerably impact their mental health.
-
This is Not a Vacation
Staying at home might feel like a vacation, as that’s how we associate stay home. With the ongoing pandemic, it’s important to remind your child that obligations like attending virtual classes on zoom/ google classroom, taking tests, submitting assignments have just moved online without any drop in the importance of it and education was and will always be a priority.
Recommend Read: 21st Century Skills Students Need to Prepare for the Future
-
Family Time
Pandemic or no pandemic, the importance of spending family time together has never reduced even by a bit. Doing things together such as cooking, eating, discussing your day etc can is always a fun. Besides, you can have a quality discussion regarding the challenges you face and how to solve a problem.
When this pandemic has forced us to stay together, let’s leverage it to build some healthy relationships. Try spending time with your children. Having an opportunity to watch them all day is something that you don’t wish to miss out on.
Are you finding it hard to keep up with the career choices of your child amid the pandemic? If yes, then you can look for a professional to guide you. A guide can provide you with the right knowledge of leading towards a bright career path. Then, you can avail online career counseling from Mindler, the nation’s leading career coaches will help your kid find the right career path.
