THE IMPORTANCE OF PARENT INVOLVEMENT IN ONLINE LEARNING
Attending a brick-and-mortar school doesn’t work for everyone. The students at CMASAS come for a myriad of reasons; many looking for a more flexible and personalized experience. With online learning, students are in the driver seat to manage their schedule, deadlines, and overall success in meeting their academic and personal goals. This autonomy comes with significant responsibility. While each CMASAS student gets a Personalized Education Coach (PEC) to help them with these things, another key factor that can greatly influence a child's success is parent involvement. In this blog, we will explore the importance of parent involvement in online learning and discuss how it positively impact a child's educational journey.
Providing a Supportive Learning Environment - One of the most significant ways parents can contribute to their child's online learning experience is by creating a supportive and conducive environment at home. This means setting up a designated study space, ensuring the necessary technology and resources are readily available, and minimizing distractions. When parents actively participate in creating this environment, they send a powerful message to their children about the importance of education.
Monitoring Progress and Accountability - Online learning often requires students to be more self-disciplined and accountable for their progress. Parents can play a vital role in helping their children stay on track by regularly checking in on their assignments, deadlines, and grades. This oversight not only ensures that students complete their work but also helps them develop and hone those important time management and organizational skills.
Reinforcing Learning Concepts - Parent involvement doesn't end with providing a study space or checking homework. Parents can also take an active role in their child's learning by helping them understand difficult concepts or by engaging in discussions related to the subjects being studied. This can be especially helpful in subjects where students may struggle without the immediate guidance of a teacher.
Motivation and Encouragement - Online learning can be isolating at times, and students may miss the social interaction and motivation that traditional classrooms provide. Parents can step in to offer emotional support, encouragement, and motivation. Celebrating small victories and providing a listening ear when challenges arise can make a significant difference in a child's overall experience with online learning.
Communication with Teachers - Maintaining open and regular communication with teachers is essential for online learners. Parents should establish a line of communication with their child's teachers to stay informed about their progress, address any concerns, and seek guidance when needed. This collaboration between parents and teachers ensures that students receive the necessary support and resources for success and contributes to a “team” environment.
Balancing Screen Time - One of the downsides of online learning is the increased screen time that children may experience. Parents can help strike a healthy balance between educational screen time and other activities, such as physical exercise, creative pursuits, and family time. Teaching and modeling responsible screen usage is a valuable skill that will benefit children beyond their educational journey.
Fostering Independence - While parent involvement is crucial, it's also essential to foster independence in online learners. Gradually allowing children to take more responsibility for their learning, assignments, and time management skills can help them develop the self-reliance necessary for success in both academics and life.
Parent involvement plays a pivotal role in the success of online learning. By creating a supportive learning environment, monitoring progress, reinforcing learning concepts, providing motivation, communicating with teachers, balancing screen time, and fostering independence, parents can empower their children to thrive in the digital classroom. It is the collaborative efforts of parents, teachers, and students that will truly make a student successful. So, let's embrace the opportunity to be active participants in our children's education, ensuring they have the best possible online learning experience.
written by Cathy Sperrazzo