The COVID-19 pandemic ushered in a new era of online education for K-12 students. However, it was introduced as an emergency solution – more of a backup plan than a carefully crafted shift. Despite the fact that online learning had been a proven and successful educational tool for over two decades prior to the pandemic, many students struggled with it when it was suddenly made the norm. Why? Because it was rolled out quickly and haphazardly, handed to educators who were mostly trained in traditional, in-person teaching methods.
Online learning can be – and often is – an effective way for K-12 students to learn. It offers many benefits, but success depends on proper preparation. Teachers must be trained specifically for online instruction, and students must be taught about the unique challenges they may encounter. Now that the urgency of the pandemic has passed, we have the opportunity to do it right.
One of the most common issues during the early days of virtual schooling was inappropriate behavior on camera – something teachers and families hadn’t known to anticipate. It was uncharted territory for most, except for those who had experienced online learning before 2020.
If you’re considering enrolling your child in an online K-12 program, here are a few key strategies to set them up for success:
1. Create a Dedicated Learning Space
Families must commit to the idea that the home is now a schoolhouse. Identify a specific area to allocate for learning and set it up with purpose. A proper desk and chair – not a couch or bed – signal to the student that it’s time to switch from “relax mode” to “learning mode.” This clear physical boundary helps with focus and engagement during class sessions.
2. Treat Online Learning Like Traditional School
While the flexibility of virtual education allows for learning on the go – such as from a hotel or in the car – this should be the exception, not the norm. Consistency is crucial for developing good habits and maintaining academic focus.
3. Dress for Success
Even though you’re at home, dress as if you were attending school in person. If you wouldn’t wear pajamas to a physical classroom, you shouldn’t wear them on Zoom. Always assume your camera might need to be turned on, and be ready to present yourself appropriately.
4. Involve the Whole Family
Online learning requires a family-wide commitment. Everyone in the household – parents, siblings, even visitors – needs to understand that when a student is in class, noise and distractions must be minimized. Loud conversations, banging pots, background TV shows, and even pets or babies can be disruptive over Zoom, especially when a student unmutes their microphone. If possible, set up the learning space in a separate room with a door that can close. If that’s not an option, choose a spot with minimal background noise and have the student sit with their back to a wall to avoid visual distractions for classmates.
5. Use Technology Wisely
Virtual backgrounds and background blurring tools can help minimize distractions on camera. While online learning offers flexibility, maintaining a quiet, respectful environment remains essential for productive classes and study sessions.
By incorporating these tips, you can have a more successful online learning experience!
Shantara Smith, Ph.D., is a certified educator with a doctorate in Online Education. She has 20 years of experience in the field of education as an online teacher and teacher trainer, and enjoys learning online professionally, academically, and personally.