In light of the recent health crisis, otherwise known as the Covid-19 pandemic, the world of education was shaken at its core.
Students and teachers alike attended school from their bedrooms and battled connectivity issues and constant distractions. However, as time went on, they adapted. Students learned to work just as hard as they would’ve in school, and teachers collaborated to create lesson plans adapted to the at-home situation.
Even still, some students attend virtual classrooms. That being said, the importance of a proper homeschool room setup is just as critical as ever.
Here are some tips from a teacher who has experienced the distance learning home setup on creating the ideal remote learning setup at home.
1. Stay Positive
This goes for both students and teachers. If teachers tell their students they don’t want to be there, the students won’t want to be either. Naturally, young academics follow after the behavior of their teacher.
However, if the teacher is bright, attentive, and encourages students to get involved in the virtual classroom, they can create as natural a learning environment as possible.
2. Ensure a Good Internet Connection
The next most important thing is your internet connection. Lag and stutters cause distraction and get in the way of student learning. To prevent this from happening, here are a few ways you can increase your Wifi speed.
First, you can update your internet plan. With parents working from home and kids distance learning, the need for a stable internet connection is more important than ever. The best course of action is to update your plan if you aren’t satisfied.
Second, you should disconnect devices that aren’t currently being used. The average American household has up to 25 devices connected to the internet, according to a new Deloitte survey. Even when they aren’t in use, devices take up crucial bandwidth.
Lastly, hold off on doing large downloads when you need the most out of your internet. For example, don’t download a 100-gigabyte download when you have to attend a critical Zoom lecture. Save your downloads for nighttime while you sleep so you can save your bandwidth during the day.
3. Make Your Room Distraction-free
An unmade bed in the background is just a means for distraction. In addition, teachers should face their computer cameras away from distractions like an unmade bed. This is because students, especially young ones, are full of questions, and they may focus on the bed instead of the lesson.
Even though the teacher’s room doesn’t have to look like a classroom, there is a sense of professionalism that should be upheld at all times. If you can’t clear the clutter, consider changing your virtual background. For example, Canva offers customizable Zoom background images and videos.
4. Eat Before Class Starts
Students should wake up before the five-minute mark of class. Instead of rolling out of bed, they should wake up early enough to eat a healthy breakfast. This way, they are alert and attentive for a day of learning. Additionally, eating during lectures is the ultimate distraction. If you wouldn’t eat during the middle of the class normally, then you shouldn’t do it during distanced learning.
Some people are adverse to eating first thing in the morning, and that’s OK. Listen to your hunger cues and act accordingly. But, even if you decide to postpone your morning meal until after class, still consider setting your alarm for at least 30 minutes before the start of class. Your concentration levels will thank you for it.
With these tips, teachers and students can improve their at home school experience while remaining positive and productive. Good luck!