Managing Virtual Learning Expectations For Kids

Parents and caregivers want to help their kids succeed whether they’re regular homes learners or temporary ones, assisting their children who are remote learning because of the COVID-19 pandemic. One thing that’s needed for that success is for home educators to define virtual learning expectations for kids. 

When kids know what is expected of them, they can better focus while in their virtual learning spaces. For those who are struggling to know what’s best for their kids, these tips can help create a virtual learning plan that incorporates expectations and much more. ​

Managing Virtual Learning Expectations

When students are at school, their teachers have expectations for them that help things run smoothly. When students are at home, there should be similar expectations for them. When it comes to online learning, homeschoolers can look to experienced teachers for assistance with managing virtual learning expectations. These tips, some from Teachstarter, may help.

• Dress appropriately for class. Even when not going to school, wearing school-appropriate clothes helps kids remember it’s time to learn. It’s also less distracting for other students who can see everyone in a virtual classroom.
• Have devices ready and log in early. All virtual learning tools should be charged up and in the dedicated, distraction-free (if possible) workspace. Logins should occur before the class starts, not at the time the class starts.
• Pay attention to the teacher. Students need to pay attention to the teacher throughout the class, even if they are at home. Parents should assist by making sure the environment is as distraction-free as possible. 
• Mute when supposed to but chat when appropriate. Muting keeps other students from getting distracted by background noise in other students’ homes. Muting doesn’t mean students can’t communicate with the teacher, however. Using the chat feature allows students to ask questions while not making noise. 
• Participate and work hard. The more a student participates, the better chance they have of being engaged and ready to soak up information.
• Respect others. Show respect for the online teacher, other students, and others in the home who are also trying to accomplish things.  

Keeping a Virtual Learning Schedule

Setting expectations for kids is important, but without a schedule that’s encouraged and monitored, students may not meet expectations. A schedule should include all things in a child’s day, not just their scheduled class times. Particularly for kids who aren’t accustomed to virtual or remote learning, such as those who are learning remotely because of the coronavirus, a well-written schedule will make sure nothing important is missed. 

What belongs on a schedule for kids who are virtually learning?

• Wake-up time. It’s important to keep a consistent sleep schedule.
• Mealtimes. Schedule in breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Try to have everyone in the household eat together for at least one meal so everyone has a chance to talk about their days together.
• Online class schedule. Some students' schedules vary from day to day so having a written out schedule will be very helpful.
• Practice time for sports, music, or other activities. Ensure that kids have the time for both their virtual learning activities and their extracurricular activities.
• Study and homework time. Not all learning happens during class time.
• Exercise time. Kids need to get out of their workspaces and move their bodies.
• Playtime. Do not neglect to make sure kids get time to play. They should have some unstructured playtime and playtime. They should also have scheduled playtime with the family to play games such as Continent Race, a memory game, or Math Sprint that reinforces addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. These games are both fun and educational.
• Bedtime. Again, it’s important to keep a consistent sleep schedule.

Using learning games is a great way to make virtual learning fun.

Virtual Learning Tools

In addition to having a schedule, students will also need the right tools, mostly in the form of technology, to meet the expectations set for virtual learning. 

These remote learning tools are a necessity:

• Reliable internet connectivity
• Chromebook or laptop with a working charger
• Access to an electrical outlet

These remote learning tools may not be necessary but may be helpful

• Headphones
• Parental control app (so kids stay on task)
• A printer, ink, and paper
• An external microphone

Creating A Virtual Learning Space

Where children sit to do their online classes and other school work is critical. Although not everyone can create an in-home virtual learning studio--a separate room set up just for school activities—all students benefit from a designated, comfortable workspace.

A designated space to work during virtual learning schedules will help kids feel safe and in charge of their learning, according to Good Housekeeping. That means they need more than a specific desk (or table) and chair each day. 

A well-set up space also helps to set virtual learning expectations for students. They will know where they are to be each day. They will also be prepared to meet expectations when virtual learning activities begin. Here are some ideas for creating a space where virtual learning experiences for students can be met.

• Place the space near an outlet for charging devices.
• Allow kids to decorate their space.
• Have supplies kids will need paper, pens, pencil sharpeners, headphones… within reach so kids don’t have to get up for them or ask parents for them.
• Make sure there is appropriate lighting. 
• If the space does double duty - perhaps the kitchen table also needs to double as a learning space - make sure the space is cleared and distraction-free when learning starts. 

What is a virtual learning environment, and what does it look like for others? These visual examples of virtual learning environments from Indy with Kids may be helpful. There are several photos of what parents have set up for their kids in their own homes, including homes that have little space.

Managing virtual learning expectations for kids takes some effort, but once these tips are implemented, parents will find the days will go smoother. They’ll also find that students are equipped to be successful at meeting expectations.