At Little Owls Learning Center, we’re dedicated to helping your child enjoy and excel in their online learning experience.
However, certain challenges—like background noise and unnecessary chatter—can disrupt their online education.
While we encourage interaction, our class time is precious, and we must ensure every student is on track and absorbing the material.
Here are some effective tips to help your child get the most out of each virtual learning session:
1. Keep the Microphone Muted When Not Speaking
Background noise is an inevitable part of online learning, as students are in different environments.
Keeping your child’s microphone muted unless they’re speaking or participating in the discussion will significantly reduce distractions and keep the class on track.
While we encourage participation, it’s important that unrelated chatter doesn’t interfere with the lesson’s flow.
2. Turn On the Video
In a virtual classroom, video plays a key role in maintaining connection. It allows teachers to gauge student engagement, making it easier to adjust the lesson if necessary.
Seeing your child on screen, rather than just a blank avatar, makes the online class more interactive and engaging.
3. Avoid Annotating on the Screen
We know your kids love to showcase their artistic talents, and sometimes, they’re so eager to share their creations that they feel the need to show all their classmates just how good they are.
This enthusiasm often leads to them annotating on the screen, where everyone can see. While we understand that kids are just being kids, having excessive digital scribbles on the screen can be distracting to other students.
To help maintain focus, we encourage you to sit down with your child and explain the importance of refraining from annotating unless the teacher specifically asks for it. This ensures that everyone can enjoy a more focused and productive learning environment.
4. Have a Guardian Nearby or Teach Tech Basics
Tech issues happen — a mic may stop working, the internet may disconnect, or other problems can arise.
For younger kids, Tech issues are bound to happen in any virtual learning environment—whether it’s a mic malfunction or an internet glitch.
For younger children, we recommend having a guardian close by to provide online learning support and ensure they stay engaged.
For older students, teaching them the basics—like muting/unmuting, turning the camera on/off, and navigating the platform—will give them more independence and confidence.
5. Avoid Eating During Class
While we know kids can get hungry, eating during class can be distracting for both your child and their classmates.
Sugary snacks can lead to bursts of energy that make it harder for them to stay focused in online education. In language classes like our Mandarin program, eating can also impact pronunciation.
Encourage your child to have a snack before or after class to maintain their focus.
6. Use Headphones or Find a Quiet Spot
Minimize distractions by using noise-canceling headphones or setting up a quiet, well-lit space for class.
Background noise can be just as disruptive as anything coming from other students, and good lighting helps your child stay alert and engaged—especially in writing-focused classes.
7. Be On Time
As the saying goes, “The early bird catches the worm.”
Being late means less time for learning and can make it harder for your child to catch up in their online class.
Arriving on time ensures they don’t miss any crucial concepts introduced at the beginning of the session.
8. Be Kind Online
Online classrooms are still social spaces, and kindness is key.
Remind your child to be polite, listen when others speak, and follow classroom rules.
A positive, respectful environment makes everyone feel safe and supported, contributing to a more productive virtual learning experience.
9. Encourage Participation
Support your child in speaking up, asking questions, and engaging in class activities. Celebrate their efforts and progress. Your involvement shows that you’re invested in their online learning journey, and your encouragement boosts their confidence and motivation.
By following these tips, you can help ensure a smooth, enriching online learning experience for your child. Together, we can make their time at Little Owls both enjoyable and rewarding.
Thank you for your continued support!
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