Exploring strategies for enhancing parent engagement in a child’s online learning journey, we gathered insights from educators and online learning experts. From distinguishing screen time types to gamifying the learning experience, here are five effective strategies recommended by professionals.

• Distinguish Screen Time Types
• Teach Time Management Skills
• Create a Quiet Study Zone
• Learn and Use Technology
• Gamify the Learning Experience

Distinguish Screen Time Types

Know the difference between active screen time, passive screen time, and non-screen time activities! If your child spends hours learning online (active) and then takes a mental break by playing video games (also active), they will be overstimulated. Watching YouTube (passive) may be less stimulating, but it is still screen time! Have a screen-free activity ready to refresh them for the next online learning session.

Isaac Eng, Music & Language Teacher, Toronto District School Board

 

Teach Time Management Skills

Making sure that your child is following instructions and completing tasks in a timely manner is crucial to the success of online learning. Unfortunately, most online tasks that are not completed are due to time management issues. Talk to your child about managing time efficiently, and you will see the results. Google Calendar and Google Tasks are amazing tools that will contribute to your child’s success.

Félix Medina, Spanish Language & Literature teacher

Create a Quiet Study Zone

Parents need to—no, they have an obligation to—set their children up for success. They need a desk, a sturdy chair, and a quiet zone to work. This doesn’t mean they need their own room; sometimes this is worse. Some of my best online teaching experiences came when students had a quiet and consistent zone for working. You could tell the parents set their kids up for success long before they even got to school. It was quiet and calm. If teachers can check in with parents before the year starts to ensure this happens, kids would be a lot better off.

Daniel Rashid, Teacher, Illinois ROE 35

Learn and Use Technology

Parents have an obligation to embrace technological advances in today’s world. Being intentional about learning all the details of your child’s school-based and/or district-based technology plan is significant to your involvement and your ability to provide an at-home environment with similar platforms and learning devices to expand the opportunities for success. Parents should also actively utilize resources in the community, such as the local libraries, to fill any existing gaps in access to technology for learning.

Kara Lee, Online Learning Coordinator

 

Gamify the Learning Experience

Similar to my work in providing equipment for children’s parties and family gatherings, I recommend incorporating fun and interactive elements into online learning to enhance parent engagement.

One effective strategy is to gamify the learning experience by turning lessons into interactive games or challenges that children can participate in with their parents. This approach not only makes learning more enjoyable but also encourages active participation and collaboration between parents and children. Additionally, incorporating multimedia elements such as videos, animations, and virtual field trips can capture children’s attention and stimulate their curiosity, making the online learning experience more engaging and effective. By making online learning fun and interactive, parents can foster a positive learning environment at home and actively support their child’s educational journey.

Joe Horan, Owner & CEO, Jumper Bee