E-learning is becoming more and more common for many reasons: it gives both a teacher and a student more flexibility, leads to improved retention, and provides more interactive and fun lessons. More so, it often leads to an increase in academic performance.
If at the beginning of 2020, when schools around the world suddenly closed down because of the global COVID pandemic, many teachers felt challenged using technology to instruct students and connect with them, now educators are more used to this type of teaching. As schools reopen for the 2021 academic year, there is a high probability that educational technology, such as online learning management systems and educational apps, will remain incorporated into the standard school system. E-learning works differently in different circumstances. Learners of different ages require different approaches to teaching. Keeping the youngest students on track academically may be challenging. Here are some of the challenges younger students may face during remote learning and how teachers and parents can address them:
Keeping Younger Students Engaged
Typically youngest students have the shortest attention spans. Teachers and parents should keep this in mind and be patient. The teacher’s task is to keep students engaged in the learning process. The material presented in the online class should be neither too hard nor too easy. However, now there is a more significant responsibility on family members to help keep students’ attention since the teacher can’t see part of what is happening offline. This can be done by parents eliminating distractions at home, setting up a designated studying area for their children, and helping them with homework. This can be challenging for parents, too, especially if they have several children and have to work. At Askademic, we offer online classes for learners of different ages and homework help in multiple school subjects. Registration is free, and every new member gets two trial classes for free.
Building Relationships with Families
For remote learning, be it during a pandemic or under normal circumstances, it is essential to have clear and compassionate communication with the parents of a younger student—the stronger connections with families, the more robust student engagement online. Whenever possible, meet the family members online, invite them to collaborate on the student’s learning process, and encourage parents of young students to sit in on video calls. Hence, they understand what their child is working on and how they can help.
Personal Approach
Teachers must be handy as they differentiate and deliver instruction based on student’s age, learning type [link], developmental needs, and experience with technology. No two students are the same, and younger students usually require more attention. As a teacher, try to identify students’ needs and address them. You might ask for parents’ help. As a parent, establish effective communication with your children and keep track of their studying as much as possible. If a child lags, consider trying one-on-one classes with tutors. Askademic offers one-on-one online tutoring services with a flexible schedule for learners of different levels.
Finding the Right Balance
One of the integral parts of excellent performance is a balanced life. For students, it means taking regular breaks between studying sessions at home, having a healthy diet, being physically active, reducing screen time when possible, and getting enough sleep. Studying from home may feel even more tedious for parents, especially those who juggle work, raising one or several children, and endless everyday chores. Remember, you are not alone. Ask for professional help when needed. Askademic has e-Learning options for every stage of education, right when you need it and where you need it. You will only need a personal computer or a tablet and a reliable Internet connection. We will take care of the rest.
