More students than ever are attending school from the comforts of their own home. And while learning online offers many potential benefits, providing the right level of support can be difficult for some families.
Due to the nature of virtual-learning environments, kids are often expected to be self-starters with strong study and time-management skills, self-discipline, and independence. But for many students, a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work. People of all ages learn in different ways and at different paces, and, more often than not, need to be taught the skills and habits that can help them thrive in any learning environment. But amid deadlines, tasks, and assignments, what's the best way to support digital learners?
6 Ways to Support Online Learning
Stick to a schedule – Flexibility is a huge draw for many online learners, but the stability, predictability, and security of a schedule at home (as in a classroom) can help kids stay focused and make for a more comfortable learning environment. Consider having students wake up and get ready for school at a certain time each day and having specific learning hours with built-in breaks.
Create a dedicated learning space – A dedicated workspace can help kids get in the right headspace for schoolwork—think quiet and comfortable, with enough space and supplies. For some, that may look like a desk and a chair in another room but for others, space at the kitchen table may be enough. The right space can help keep kids engaged and limit distractions.
Take advantage of resources – Learning at home doesn't have to mean learning alone. Online-learning programs and platforms often have a variety of resources to help families make the most of their digital education. Reach out to teachers for help or more information, explore tutoring resources, find community in other online-learning families, and seek out any additional means of support needed.
Build confidence and focus on the positives – Self-esteem and confidence are vital to learning: A student who thinks they can master the material has a much better chance of succeeding than a student who starts out feeling defeated. Set manageable goals and celebrate wins, no matter the size. Encouraging students, especially through difficulties, may help foster perseverance and will make learning more enjoyable for everyone.
Communication is key – Kids are bound to encounter some frustrations while learning from home; they may struggle with the material, the structure of the program, or the lack of a traditional classroom setting. While they're still figuring things out, help guide them, but don’t push them through the process. Aim to talk to kids, not at them.
Don’t be afraid to change things up – Learning looks different for every student, and if something isn't working, don't be afraid to try something new. A program may not be the right fit, a chosen schedule may no longer do the trick, and needs and preferences may change. The beauty of learning at home means that learning can be tailored to the student—and that likely doesn't look the same for everyone.
Online learning may be a great solution for some students, but it comes with its own challenges, which means it may take some trial-and-error to build the right learning environment. Explore how a student learns best, and don't hesitate to seek out additional resources or help. Learning from home takes patience, understanding, and kindness, but with the right tools and support, it can be a great fit.