WHEN it comes to learning, remote doesn’t have to mean far away – in fact, it can be said that kids being taught from home are as connected to their teachers as if their parents were dropping them at the school gates every morning.
Barnsley-based geography teacher and education tech leader Ben Eccersley has this handy remote learning advice for both parents and pupils.
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For pupils
Get online, on time
“Make sure you log on in good time for the start of live lessons, rather than joining the lesson ten minutes in – you’ll miss the introduction and that can be vital.”
Involve yourself
“Talk, put your hand up, message in chat, don’t be afraid to ask questions. And remember – even if they are not taking a live lesson, your teacher is still there for you.”
Take proper screen breaks
“While on a break, don’t sit at your computer. Get outside, read a book, phone someone, enjoy yourself. Use your breaks or lunchtimes like you would at school.”
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For parents
Prepare to be taught
“Parents are often surprised by how technologically able young children are now. Let your children show you what they need to be doing in class.”
Be sure to give praise
“Children are praised by their teachers, of course, but they also need to be praised at home for getting their work done, so parents need to know what’s expected of their children.”
Stay in touch with school
“Parents should contact the school if they have any questions or worries about any aspect of their children’s schooling, and that includes their access to technology.”
Get involved if you can
“This might be difficult for parents working full-time, but it really pays for families to work on occasional projects together. And who doesn’t want to make a cardboard castle.”
How the UK Government helps
- The UK Government is investing over £400 million to support disadvantaged children and young people with access to technology through the pandemic, including providing 1.3 million laptops and tablets.
- The Department for Education has partnered with some of the UK’s leading mobile network operators to provide free data to disadvantaged families, further supporting remote education where it’s needed. Families will benefit from this additional data until July 2021.
- 54,000 4G wireless routers have been provided with free data for the academic year, to support children to access remote education and vital social care services.
Find out more information at gov.uk/coronavirus
For more guidance on remote learning and support for mental health and wellbeing, visit gov.uk/coronavirus-remote-learning
