LETTERS: The recent move by the Education Ministry to close schools ahead of the total lockdown is seen as an effort to stem the spread the virus among school-going children.
Thus, teaching and learning will again be conducted online. While the Education Ministry's move is applauded, the bitter truth is that many students are still struggling with online classes.
Home learning through online sessions has become a major setback for parents as they juggle work, household chores and ensuring that their children are coping well with their online classes.
Many students, especially those in rural areas, are having issues with online learning because either their parents cannot afford to subscribe to high bandwidth services or the students lack digital learning tools such as laptops, desktops, tablets, and mobile phones.
The uncertainty over the pandemic situation might lead to the school closure being extended beyond July. Until then, parents have no choice but to find an immediate solution to ensure their children can continue their lessons online without issues.
The following are measures that parents can consider to ensure their children are focused and engaged in online learning.
First, parents may have to purchase extra electronic devices. Having a good device is essential for effective online learning, especially for parents with more than one child. Although this comes at a cost, such parents have no choice but to invest in these tools. However, many are now available at affordable prices.
Second, parents should prepare a comprehensive online class timetable for their children. This can be drafted based on the PdPR (home-based teaching and learning) timetable provided by the school. However, parents should ensure that free slots are given to them as continuous online learning can be tiring. Once the timetable is regulated, the children will be accustomed to it and it will become a routine.
Third, parents should consider giving leisure breaks to their children. Being at home all the time and going through online classes continuously can be stressful for the children. Hence, allow the children to have break times and fun-based activities with siblings and parents.
This will help ease their stress and ensure they do not feel detached from the family. This inclusiveness is an essential element in family bonding.
Fourth, allow children to have their private time with their friends. Often, parents are sceptical of allowing their children to have online private chats with fellow classmates. Catching up with their friends can also be motivational for our children to stay focused on online lessons.
Fifth, parents should ensure that their children prepare for online classes in advance. They should sit with their children and help them with their homework, and see to it their children sign into the online class platforms as early as possible to ensure that the hardware and Internet are working well.
Sixth, children should go to bed early and wake up early. Establish a regular bedtime to help set your child's body clock. Many studies revealed that short sleep duration in children is associated with negative physical, social, emotional and cognitive outcomes, including poor concentration, impaired academic achievement and increased risk of obesity.
Good sleep helps children to be fresh and motivated to attend online classes the following day.
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR SUNDRAM M. KARUPIAH
Deputy dean (Postgraduate, Research and Administration)
Faculty of Pharmacy, AIMST University
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times