How your child can be a good student in the virtual classroom

Whether your child is attending online or in-person class, the criteria for being a good student are very similar. Given the added difficulties that come with online learning, however, the expectations are slightly different. In a virtual classroom, good students actively participate. For instance, they do the following:

• Ask questions
• Take notes
• Look at the screen when the teacher is speaking
• Engage in discussions
• Answer questions
• Etc.

Most students will agree that it’s easy to become disorganized when attending online classes. Fortunately, staying organized requires only a small amount of planning. It’s important that your child do the following:

• Have all their materials on hand
• Use their agenda
• Take notes during class
• Turn on their computer and join the group a few minutes early
• Make sure their computer has enough battery life
• Have a replacement plug handy
• Test their microphone and camera before joining the group
• Etc.

Being respectful means being considerate of other people (e.g., their work, needs, rights). To show respect to their teacher, who is trying to explain the material, and to their classmates, who want to learn, your child can do the following:

• Keep their camera on or off depending on the teacher’s instructions
• Use the Raise Hand function before speaking
• Turn off their microphone to avoid sound interference
• Dress as if they’re attending an in-person class
• Use the chat tools appropriately
• Ask permission to take a screenshot or record a lesson
• Avoid eating in front of the computer
• Use their avatar correctly (i.e., write their real name as opposed to a funny nickname)
• Etc.

There is no single definition or strict set of criteria for your child’s ideal learning environment. It depends on many factors, including the available space in your home and your child’s attention span. That said, a study-friendly space should have a few basic qualities:

• Calm
• Organized
• Well lit
• Free of distractions (e.g., TV, tablet, cellphone)
• Equipped with the right furniture (e.g., a good desk and chair)
• Etc.

Students attending online classes have a harder time completing their homework, perhaps because there’s no separation between home and school. But assignments and lesson review are just as important (if not more so) for remote learners. To help your child stay on track and complete their homework after an online class, you can suggest that they do the following:

• Take a break outside for a change of scenery (e.g., go for a walk, do breathing exercises)
• Eat a small healthy snack before getting started
• Write down important dates (e.g., exams, assignment deadlines) in their agenda
• Make a to-do list
• Set goals and plan out their homework time
• Use a timer to schedule breaks between tasks
• Etc.