Virtual Learning: What to Expect and How to Get Started

The COVID-19 pandemic created a major need for virtual and hybrid learning. Although many children thrive in an in-person classroom setting, some are finding more comfort in completing their classes online at home. Although the pandemic has shifted, this trend is here to stay. According to recent statistics, In 2021, 75% of schools had or have plans to operate online. This includes 45% elementary students, 64% of middle school students, and 63% of high school students.

If you’re in the category of parents who are considering switching your child to virtual learning, sometimes called eLearning or remote learning, it’s important to consider a few factors and steps to manage your expectations. The team of educators at Clearwater private school Lakeside Christian School have put together a list of what to expect and how to get started so that your child can get the most out of their virtual learning experience.

 

What to Expect with Virtual Learning

Virtual learning has many of the same benefits as in-person learning. For example, your student will still receive individualized attention and will have the opportunity to ask questions and participate in group activities and discussions. Where virtual learning differs is in both the social aspects and the ability to take more personal responsibility regarding one’s own schedule.

During virtual learning at a Clearwater FL Christian school, your child will still be expected to participate in classroom activities via live video sessions and message boards. They will also still receive assignments and homework just as though they have attended in-person. However, your child may have more of an opportunity to learn at their own pace at various times of the day when they feel they may be more motivated for particular subjects. For example, if your child finds that they have an easier time focusing on math during the morning, they may be able to set aside more time in the morning to work on their math lessons.

Virtual learning gives parents an opportunity to get involved in their child’s learning schedule and pace as well. Some children are self-starters and won’t need as much guidance to arrive on time to their video classes, but others might need a little nudge from parents to keep them on track. It’s important to remember to manage your expectations and know that you may need to be available to your child during the day if they choose remote learning.

Aside from these differences, your child may crave in-person connection with their peers. They will still be encouraged to participate in school activities and extracurriculars to build these relationships.

In the end, both the virtual and in-person students will receive attention and care from their instructors and will be on the path to success, whether that means going to college or another program after graduation.

 

Tips for Remote Learning Success

Remote learning is not without its challenges. There are a few tips you should consider to help your child get the most out of their remote or hybrid learning experience.

 

  1. Set up a dedicated workspace. This will help your child keep their mindset on school and create a more clear mental boundary between school activities and home life for relaxing. If possible, try to create a space outside of their bedroom where they will be more visible so that you can easily check in with them.
  2. Create a strict schedule and stick to it. Just as adults who work remotely have found, sticking to a schedule can help your child avoid working on schoolwork at all hours of the day and night and can help them stay in a more comfortable routine. This can be especially helpful if your child does plan to transition to in-person learning again in the future.
  3. Encourage interaction with teachers and classmates. Virtual learning can be isolating for some. The more your child talks with their teacher and classmates, the easier it will be for them to stay on track.
  4. Give your teen some freedom with their schedule. Virtual classes offer a very unique lesson in time management. This is crucial for teens to learn in order to succeed at future jobs, so let them practice with eLearning. Let them create a schedule and check in on them periodically without micromanaging. Check in with your teens’ teachers to make sure they are still on track, but give them a little leeway to create their own schedule and routine.

 

Getting Started with eLearning

If you’re considering switching your child or teen to virtual learning, it’s important to not only evaluate the situation and your level of comfort regarding COVID, but to also speak with the school’s advisors on whether your child might be a good fit. Christian high schools in Clearwater, FL may offer some level of virtual learning or eLearning, but it’s crucial that you find the right fit for your child’s individual needs.

With over 40 years of experience and a diverse student body of children from families of all socioeconomic backgrounds and income levels, Lakeside Christian School is built on the biblical principles of loving God and loving others. This care is demonstrated through the warm, respectful relationships among staff and between staff and students, and uses a tailored approach to your child’s education. For more information on how your student can succeed in a virtual learning program, get in touch with Lakeside Christian School today.

 

If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, a Christian high school in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.