What are the best ways to support K-12 students in online learning?

Online learning has become a reality for many K-12 students due to the pandemic, but it also poses many challenges for their academic success and well-being. How can parents, teachers, and students work together to create a positive and productive online learning experience? Here are some tips and strategies to support K-12 students in online learning.

1 Set clear expectations

One of the key factors for successful online learning is to have clear and consistent expectations for students, teachers, and parents. Students need to know what they are supposed to learn, how they will be assessed, and what resources and support they have available. Teachers need to communicate their goals, expectations, and feedback regularly and effectively. Parents need to understand their role and responsibilities in facilitating their children's online learning, such as providing a suitable environment, monitoring their progress, and encouraging their motivation.

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Manish V.

Want to Learn Coding? Parents Students Computer Science Aspirants DM Now | Python C++ Java C DSA HTML R SQL Data Structures Algorithms College Projects
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In the luminous realm of virtual learning, clarity is the north star. Set expectations as anchors; the lighthouse amidst digital waves. Let directives be precise constellations, guiding pupils through the nebulous expanse. Certainty in tasks fosters focus, an elusive gem amid the tempest of distractions. In this fluid realm, structure births freedom.

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2 Establish a routine

Another important factor for online learning is to establish a regular and flexible routine that suits the students' needs and preferences. A routine can help students manage their time, organize their tasks, and stay focused and engaged. A routine can also help students balance their academic work with their physical, mental, and social well-being. For example, a routine can include setting a specific time and place for online learning, taking breaks, exercising, eating healthy, and connecting with others.

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3 Use a variety of tools

Online learning can offer many opportunities to use different tools and platforms to enhance the learning process and outcomes. Students can use various tools to access, create, and share information, such as websites, videos, podcasts, blogs, wikis, and social media. Students can also use various tools to collaborate, communicate, and interact with their teachers and peers, such as email, chat, video conferencing, forums, and online games. Using a variety of tools can help students develop their digital literacy, creativity, and critical thinking skills.

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Deniz BAĞÇIVAN

CELTA-certified English Language Teacher with a decade of experience in K-12 levels. MA in English Language Teaching.
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As an educator, I've found that the use of diverse educational tools is crucial for elevating the online learning experience. Platforms like Edmodo and Google Classroom are hubs for classroom materials and communication. On the other hand, Kahoot and Quizlet employ gamification to solidify learning outcomes, which I find highly effective. Socrative is another tool I often use for immediate assessments. As educators, we must skillfully select and apply these tools to align with specific educational goals. I consider each one a lever in the multifaceted mechanics of the learning process. Therefore, ongoing professional development to understand these tools is not just advantageous; it's imperative for 21st-century educators like myself.

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4 Seek feedback and support

Online learning can also pose some challenges and difficulties for students, such as technical issues, isolation, confusion, frustration, and boredom. Therefore, it is essential for students to seek feedback and support from their teachers, parents, and peers when they encounter any problems or have any questions. Feedback and support can help students improve their performance, clarify their doubts, overcome their challenges, and boost their confidence and motivation. Feedback and support can also help students build positive relationships and a sense of belonging in their online learning community.

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5 Reflect and celebrate

Online learning can also be an opportunity for students to reflect on their learning process and outcomes, and to celebrate their achievements and growth. Students can use various methods to reflect on their online learning, such as journals, portfolios, surveys, self-assessments, and peer reviews. Students can also use various ways to celebrate their online learning, such as certificates, badges, awards, showcases, and testimonials. Reflecting and celebrating can help students recognize their strengths and weaknesses, set new goals, and appreciate their efforts and progress.

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6 Keep learning

Online learning can also be a chance for students to keep learning beyond their formal curriculum and requirements. Students can explore their interests and passions, pursue their hobbies and talents, and discover new topics and skills. Students can also take advantage of the many online resources and opportunities that can enrich their learning experience and outcomes, such as online courses, webinars, podcasts, blogs, and games. Keeping learning can help students develop their curiosity, autonomy, and lifelong learning habits.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Dagi Joel

Certified software Product manager || Business Strategist || Project Manager || Business Analyst || Customer service || Digital Marketing Strategist|| entry level Virtual assistant
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Surround them with Relatable Examples. As both parents and teachers, one way to help them learn is take them through examples they can relate with. Someone once told me, "Children learn what they can see and do more easily than things they can't". So to get the best out of them. Give them a relatable experience as it will also help their mind to remember more often what they have learned.

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What are the best ways to support K-12 students in online learning?

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3

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1 Set clear expectations

2 Establish a routine

3 Use a variety of tools

4 Seek feedback and support

5 Reflect and celebrate

6 Keep learning

7 Here’s what else to consider

K-12 Education

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What are the best ways to support K-12 students in online learning?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Set clear expectations

2 Establish a routine

3 Use a variety of tools

4 Seek feedback and support

5 Reflect and celebrate

6 Keep learning

7 Here’s what else to consider

K-12 Education

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