One of the most common questions with online learning is “What is the parent’s role?” Although online schools often explain curricula and services, the role of parent involvement is often viewed with a cloudy haze of confusion, even after enrollment.
Let’s clear up the fog.
Online learning is no different than other types of schooling; parents are vitally important to student academic success. For some reason, parents think that the format of online learning changes this fact, and that magically their child will receive everything that’s educationally necessary via the Internet. Not true. No matter the school format, the interaction and support of parents is necessary for achievement, encouragement, and accountability. No school can replace a parent’s role, nor should it.
But where does the school end and parenting begin and vice versa? Here a few pointers to help out parents.
You’re still the parent. Online teachers aren’t a replacement for parenting or discipline. As a parent, your role is to enforce rules and raise your child according to your family’s principles. You are the person in control of your child’s education, not school districts, principals, or teachers. You make the choices.
You should be involved. Online learning requires parents to help with lessons, basically functioning as a “learning coach.” This could involve explaining concepts, helping with homework, arranging extracurricular activities, speaking with teachers, and enforcing study habits. (By the way, this the same thing all parents should do, no matter where a child attends school.)
You model behavior. Clearly, parents are role models. Model the behavior you want your online student to see. Does he see you working hard? Does he see you giving being persistent in spite of difficulties? Does he see positive attitude? As a parent, you reap what you sow, and this is even more apparent with online learning when you (and your family) are in a closer proximity with your at-home student.
You set goals. Without a destination, your online student will quickly give up. When enrolling in an online school, don’t fail before you begin. Set goals and a schedule to reach those goals. Make goals together with your child and his teachers. Include your own expectations. Combine goals to something realistic and achievable. Write goals down and place them where your child can see them!
You aren’t alone. As a parent, you have the support of your student’s online school and its faculty. Don’t hesitate to use this valuable resource. Phoning, emailing, and messaging teachers and staff is what you’re expected to do. They are there for you, so utilize this support. Also, try joining a parent support group, either affiliated with your online school or in your local area.
You’re responsible. You set the rules, ensure homework is done, and create an at-home learning environment. Sadly, many parents float from one schooling option (such as online learning) to another, searching for the perfect school which doesn’t exist. While it’s true some school formats suit learning styles better than others, the largest difference maker in a child’s education is parent involvement.
Of course, these are basic responsibilities. When choosing an online school, parents should thoroughly research what is required of them. For example, some schools require parents to explain lessons, while other schools have live or taped instructors. Online schools may also require parent grading, test monitoring, homework submission, and so forth. Be informed and know all these facts up front.
From the perspective of an online school, the more hands-on the parent is the more successful the student will be. What’s your role? To help your child have a successful education!
What do you think the parent’s role should be in online learning?