LETTERS: Since the pandemic hit us last year, most classes have been conducted online. We must accept this.
For secondary and university students, they can use technological tools to learn.
But for children between 5 and 6 years old, they depend on parental guidance and assistance in using the mute function, asking questions and staying focused.
This is not easy for working parents.
Also, in a big household, how do children share smartphones, laptops and computers?
Then, there is the question of Internet accessibility. Some rural students have to drive to the nearest town to get Internet access.
So they need some consideration from lecturers and teachers regarding their attendance, participation and submission of assignments.
The World Health Organisation has given parenting tips in today's scenario.
First, help children be on their best behaviour. Parents can do that by playing games with them when the children are restless. Second, take a 10-second pause when angry. Breathe in and out slowly, with eyes closed.
Another technique is to explain the consequences to children. They should be given a choice to follow the instructions before explaining the consequences.
Parents can impose suitable penalties, such as limiting the hours spent playing video games for a few days.
The delivery of subjects is important to children. Colourful content and cartoon characters should be included to sustain their energy and focus during online classes.
Teachers can use physical activities to stimulate the children's creativity, motor skills and cognitive development.
An Australian parenting website said the use of puppet play can help preschoolers learn and explore strong feelings and how to manage them.
Dr Greg Wells, a scientist in translational medicine, described three benefits of physical activity for emotional and mental health:
FIRST, it may stimulate the children's body system as it improves the bone and muscle strength, as well as lungs and heart capacity.
SECOND, it will have an impact on the children's brain. When they exercise, Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor is produced and this stimulates new neurons in the brain that spark learning. It also improves the children's creativity and problem- solving skills.
THIRD, physical activity can reduce anxiety. Anxious children can develop new skills and achieve better besides improving their relationship with friends while performing physical activity. Using interactive games can identify the level of understanding among the children.
Experiencing teaching and learning difficulties during the movement restrictions is a shared responsibility.
It requires commitment from us to ensure the effectiveness of the learning system.
JOEAIZA JUHARI
Senior lecturer, Department of Insurance, Faculty of Business and Management, UiTM Melaka
JOEWANIDA JUHARI
Lecturer, Department of Commerce, Politeknik METRO, Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times