How Parents Can Contribute to Their Child’s Online Learning

The Covid-19 pandemic has made people realize the importance and benefits of digitization. Major industries like shopping, finance, entertainment, food and hospitality, and healthcare are thriving in the digital realm. The same applies to education. Online education  had turned into a necessity during the lockdown phase. Although it met with plenty of cynicism and disbelief in the initial stages. It has now emerged as a preferred learning mode in many households.

The role of parents in education, be it the traditional system or the more advanced online method, is undeniable. Learning with parents ensures a supportive environment at home for the child to realise their full potential. In this article, we shall discuss how parents can support children’s online learning.

Concept of online schooling

Home learning is to engage the child in all activities and curriculum at home instead of sending them to a physical school. We conduct virtual classes and design online activities to promote learning from home. In addition to gaining knowledge, home learning teaches children the art of time management skills .​

Why is the presence of a learning coach required?

Learning coaches are individuals who play an active role in a child’s educational journey, apart from regular teachers. Their main job is to provide support, motivation, and guidance and ensure that the child is progressing. A child may receive all the possible assistance and counselling from their online school . Yet, it is crucial to have a robust support system at home in the form of a learning coach who ensures the right environment to hone the child’s skills. A parent’s role in online learning now comes into the picture. Home learning is fruitful when children have dedicated learning coaches in their parents.

Importance of parental involvement in education

Both teachers and parents share the responsibility of working together to make the child attain their educational goal. It involves extra effort from the parents’ end because it means taking time out from work and daily chores. But this involvement is required for accountability and encouragement in the child’s learning process.

The role of parents in education is tremendous as it entails the following benefits:

• Learning with parents enhances the child’s motivation to assimilate knowledge and positively impacts academic performance.
• Home learning in the presence of an involved parent boosts the child’s self-esteem and leads to improved behaviour.
• The parent can communicate the child’s learning issues to the teacher and resolve them sooner.
• If the child faces any technical issues during the online classes, the parent’s presence can ensure a quick resolution.
• The teachers will pay more attention to detail if they know how actively involved the parent is in the child’s daily classes.

What can parents do to support their child’s learning process?

The role of parents in education extends to providing a conducive learning environment for their children, especially in the online setup. Here’s how parents can help their children succeed in online schools :

• Lending a listening earAt times, a child wants to be heard. Parents should give them the chance to vent without being judgemental. It makes them feel loved and highlights underlying issues that need to be addressed.
• Reducing distractionsWhile the online classes are going on, parents need to ensure no disturbance in terms of sights and sounds. Limit screen time and try to encourage different activities for kids without screen time .
• Preparing a scheduleHelping the child to strike a healthy balance between studies and play is an essential role of parents in education. During the online classes, set up short time-outs for snack and water breaks. Scheduling in advance helps in time management.
• Regular communication with the teacherParents need to be in constant touch with their child’s online educators, mainly to convey salient points or doubts and track ongoing events.
• Staying updated with technologyThe parent’s role in online learning encompasses digital upgradation too. As children are too young to navigate their way through online learning platforms themselves, parents must participate and make the process easier for them.
• Paying attention to the child’s physical and emotional developmentParental involvement in education doesn’t just end in academic progress but includes holistic development. Long hours of online classes can take a toll on physical health. Engage the child in adequate physical activities throughout the day. Communicate with them and allow them to express their feelings.

Do’s and don’ts for parents while playing the role of a learning coach

Do’s

• Be an encourager and motivator. The child should consider you as their most vital support system.
• Reach out to the teachers and other parents in times of need.
• Create a flexible and convenient daily timetable for your child.
• Designate a learning space exclusively for the child’s online classes.
• Keep a track of their assignments and tests, without being too intrusive.
• Give positive reinforcements frequently.

Don’ts

• Don’t expect traditional schooling routines. Accept the changes and go with the flow.
• Don’t compare the timings of online classes with that of physical classes.
• Avoid being in the same room when online classes are going on. Let the child try and cope.
• Don’t interfere during the classes by correcting the child’s work instantly or reprimanding the child for not paying attention. Talk about these things after the classes get over.
• Don’t attempt to re-teach. Instead, revise the topics and let the child point out the difficulties.

Conclusion

The role of parents in education is instrumental in shaping the child’s academic journey. The sooner a connection is established between parents and the educational process of their children, the stronger will be the foundation for their success. Online learning  can be a rewarding experience when the parents take up the responsibility of being a coach for their child seriously.