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One year into the pandemic and your children’s virtual learning experience likely continues to be challenging at best. To help with the discipline and learning curve needed for successful virtual learning, here are a few basic tips to consider when forced to troubleshoot a problem. And these tips aren’t just for the kids, but the parents as well!
Tech-related meltdowns happen to us all no matter where we are working from – at home or in the office. However, in the office, or when remote working, you can contact the company’s IT department to help solve any issues. For school-age kids, the support system might not be available to help in a pinch. For example, maybe the Wi-Fi goes out and everyone’s Zoom call froze. Or your child’s old laptop isn’t updated with the latest operating system and it has issues connecting with their online classroom tools. Here are some basic tips for improving and troubleshooting the remote learning experience.
Know the programs and various learning platforms used by your child’s school.
Let’s face it, it’s a new year and you’re still likely helping your child troubleshoot the perils of distance learning. To help ease the bumps, consider becoming more familiar with the online learning programs that your child uses the most. For example, take the time to audit one of their Google Classrooms or Canvas classes to fully understand how to navigate lesson plans and other learning and resource features. Both platforms are widely used classroom tools, each with their own benefits and features.
If your kid mentions using “Clever,” know that this is a portal that unifies various tools by acting as a single sign-on for every student within a specific school district. Master the baseline knowledge of all these platforms and the extent your child uses them. This will ultimately help you avoid a lot of eye-rolling and back and forth bickering when your child needs help in a pinch. Learning more about these platforms upfront takes time but will pay off when your child hit’s “Defcon 5” during an important lesson or a quiz.
Zoom as a Second Language
Get your kids familiar with the Zoom interface so they’re comfortable with the various settings. It helps to get them in the habit of removing peripheral distractions while participating in video classes. The biggest distractions for kids are their smartphones or tablets, gaming consoles, and getting your “quarantine puppy” out of the room. To keep kids focused on their video lessons, help them maintain a neat and organized workstation – preferably one that is solely dedicated to virtual learning. Some kids also need to release some physical energy in between Zoom calls, or “passing periods,” to help them focus on their lessons. This is a great time to get your kids to do 10 jumping jacks, scooter outside for a few minutes, or take the puppy for a quick walk. This will energize their body and reactivate their mind.
Quality Headphones Are a Must-Have
Video classes and virtual lessons are much easier when your child can hear clearly and without static or low-volume settings. A good-quality pair of headphones with a built-in microphone will help. There are hundreds of options available. We suggest selecting high-rated pair of noise-canceling headphones with an adjustable headband and large comfy ear cups to improve your child’s video calls and to drown out any background noise.
Use Your Phone “Hot Spot” if You Need a Backup Internet Connection
Even if you pay for upgraded internet, there’s only so much connectivity you can get through your provider. If your home Wi-Fi gets spotty, try using your phone’s “hotspot” function as a backup. But first, be sure to check with your cell phone service provider to make sure you have unlimited data, otherwise, it can get very expensive.
Keep Your Technology Investments Safe
You likely have several thousand dollars’ worth of tech in your home that your family relies on every day to stay connected to school, work, family and entertainment. So it makes sense to protect it. Consider using a home tech protection plan like Asurion Home+ that covers nearly all of your home tech for a monthly fee. The plan isn’t just for device breakdowns or malfunctions — you also gain access to 24/7 tech support with Asurion’s 10,000 Experts. So, if your new router is tough to set up or your son’s laptop is ridiculously buggy and lags, then you have someone to reach out to for help.
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This content is brought to you by Marvin Maldonado who is a tech expert with Asurion Home +. He brings a passion for helping people connect and enjoy their tech.
Photo: Shutterstock